Mobile device: blessing or health hazard?

The rapid dissemination of tablets and smartphones has created a new dimension in the health risks related to working with screens. This has compelled professionals in the Health and Safety Inspection (HSI) government organization in the Netherlands to include this in their scope of research. On the other hand, these devices are not only causing problems, they also offer new opportunities to reduce the workload and allow the combination of work and leisure.

TEXT HUUB PENNOCK, HUMAN FACTORS PROFESSIONAL

No one can deny the rapid growth of the amount of tablets and smartphones: the numbers speak for themselves. More and more people use these devices, privately and/or for work purposes (see box). And who does not use them today, will most likely do so in the near future. This leads one to ask the question, what should the HSI do about this? One thing is certain — something has to be done. In most organizations, the HSI officer has laid down strict rules about working from computer screens (mandatory breaks, special glasses, et cetera), but the use of mobile devices creates completely new issues. However, besides health risks, there are also many benefits to using these devices.

Four users’ tasks
The risks and opportunities related to the use of tablets and smartphones are extremely diverse. In order to get a good grip on them, we can consider four tasks for which these devices are used:
• viewing
• controlling
• processing
• mental handling

Viewing
In the case of a desktop computer, the monitor should sit at a distance of at least 50cm from the user. If the distance is shorter, the eye muscles must work harder to get a sharp picture. The problem with smartphones and tablets is that we usually hold them closer to our eyes. This compels the eye muscles to work harder. That in itself is not necessarily risky, but tires the eyes significantly more than regular monitor screen. The best solutions are limiting the duration of working with small screens and regularly alternate viewing the small screen and looking at objects at a more remote distance.

Controlling
Normally, we hold a mobile device in our hands and this causes a dilemma. If we keep the arms in a relaxed position, the head will have to bend forward and downwards, which forces the muscles in the neck and the nape to work extremely hard. The alternative, raising the arms, is not much better; this causes a static stress on the muscles of arms and shoulders. Controlling the devices implies a similar stress, mainly because the legible information is usually limited as a result of the small screen — frequent navigation moves are necessary (tapping, swiping, scrolling).

On a positive note, these controlling and navigation moves cause a more varied stress compared to someone who is glued to his computer mouse. Another positive aspect is that when using a mobile device, you have the choice between more body postures. This reduces the risk of over-taxation. In general, it is advisable to place these devices at an angle during use and slowly increase the duration of use over a period of time. This way, the body can slowly get used to these postures. In any case, it is not advisable to work for vey long periods of time at any screen in an unhealthy posture.

Processing
The small screen also poses a challenge to the brain. Because so little information is directly available, we switch more often between screens and therefore, must remember more. This increases the risk of fatigue and mistakes. This problem can best be limited by not using any old software on a small screen. Applications that need an overview, like Excel, are especially unsuitable for use on mobile devices.

Mental handling
If you incorporate tablets and smartphones correctly into your daily life, you can significantly increase your productivity because these devices allow you to work anytime, anywhere. An added bonus is that it can limit the deadline stress and make it easier to combine work and leisure. However, you should always be aware of possible risks. If not, it may have a severe negative impact on your productivity. For starters, the chance of distraction increases. If you are always available, the job will be interrupted more often. This particularly affects work that needs concentration and focus, and can also deteriorate the quality and efficiency of meetings. What’s more, the possibility of working anytime, anywhere can also result in feelings of stress. If you are always “on the job,” you run a high risk of disrupting the worklife balance, not to mention a healthy night’s rest.

Addiction
A remarkable aspect of managing mobile devices is the risk that too much commitment results in addiction and dependence. Particularly with loyal, dutiful employees some understandable, but nevertheless detrimental psychological phenomena play a role. First, mental stress can occur because of the so-called ‘fear of missing out’ syndrome (FOMO). Secondly, research shows that an unexpected reward constitutes the biggest stimulant for specific behaviour. Because of constant access to email, text messages and social media, smartphones and tablets supply exactly that kind of stimulant. Many users can all but repress the urge to constantly check their devices for new messages (see box). Suppose you miss that cute picture or funny video?

Blessing or health hazard?
Are mobile devices a blessing or do they constitute a health risk? By nature, HSI professionals are inclined to see only the health risks as mentioned in this article. Still, a more positive attitude towards this issue is more appropriate. Tablets and smartphones are here to stay and offer many advantages. If you have any common sense, you can limit your risks. It is imperative, however, that employees are made aware of the possible risks.

Smartphone use
Do you possess a smartphone, or does it possess you? Large-scale research on smartphone addiction has yet to be conducted, but some polls indicate that this question is a realistic one.
• A survey by Lockout indicates that 58% of smartphone users “don’t go one hour without checking their phone.”
• According to an iPass survey, 7% of the persons questioned obsessively check their mail for new messages. Around 25% of employees check their mobile device at least five times per hour when off the clock.

Trends and figures: mobile devices
Partly because employers facilitate this, the use of tablets and smartphones for business purposes is increasing rapidly.
• In 2010, only 1% of all employers with a staff of 50 persons or more supplied one or more of their staff members with a tablet. By the end of 2012, this number increased to 17.5%.
• Regarding the total use of telephones in these organizations, the use of smartphones has increased to 50% on average.
• The biggest users of smartphones for business are the sectors of education (65%), industry (61%) and government (56%). Sources: Computer Profile, issues February and October 2013.