Ergopedia.ca Logo

Ergopedia Contents

Risk Factors and Sources of Injury

Injuries and Conditions

Ergonomic Product Categories

Anthropometric Considerations

What are the Symptoms

Ergonomic Concepts

Glossary

 

Ergonomic Product Categories > Document Holders          
Home     FAQ     Contact      

Document Holders

What are Document Holders?

Document Holders are common workstation accessories used to improve viewability and accessibility to documents (papers, documents, magazines, etc.) while working on a computer (or alternate documents).  Typically this type of accessory provides the ability to improve the physical location and angle of the material.  A common secondary function of Document Holders is to use them as Writing Surfaces, a task for which they can be reasonably suitable depending on the nature of the writing activity. 

What are the Ergonomic Benefits of a Document Holder?

Document Holders can help to ensure proper posture by placing materials that need to be viewed Inline, or in a less awkward position in the workstation of a user.  This helps to reduce Overextension when placing and removing documents from the field of view. 

Alternatively, Document Holders can also reposition documents so they are immediately to the left or right of the monitor and at the same height.  This can improve issues with neck posture by removing the need to look down at documents and support the head in that position for extended periods of time.

What are Potential Concerns when Considering a Document Holder?

Document Holders are not ideal for all types of materials.  Thicker piles of papers, binders, file folders and books can be difficult to properly position on Document Holders.  Some materials may have to be 'wedged open' (e.g. hard-cover books and file folders) and few Document Holders have features which will facilitate this requirement.

Document Holders do not typically make great Writing Surfaces.  For occasional quick notes, especially when using soft lead pencils or gel pens / markers, they can function, but they should not be used for extensive writing activities. 

For What Types of Tasks / Users are Document Holders Suitable? 

When viewing reference materials, the optimal angle is significantly more vertical than horizontal (somewhere between 50° and 90°).  When writing, the optimal angle is significantly more horizontal than vertical (somewhere between 0° and 40°).  As such for viewing and occasional brief writing on most types of loose materials, Document Holders are suitable.  If more than very brief notes need to be written, or materials are not properly accommodated, consider Writing Surfaces or Book Holders as alternatives.

What Physical Injuries or Conditions Typically Benefit from a Document Holder?

Document Holders can be of benefit to a wide variety of individuals including individuals with conditions such as Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Lateral Epicondylitus and Medial Epicondylitus.

 

Keyboards
Keyswitches
Mice

Last edited December 9th, 2013

About Ergopedia.ca   Privacy Policy   Legal Notices

Disclaimer: All information contained on the Ergopedia.ca website is intended for informational and educational purposes. The information is not intended nor suited to be a replacement or substitute for professional medical treatment or for professional medical advice relative to a specific medical question or condition.

We urge you to always seek the advice of your physician or ergonomic professional with respect to your medical condition or questions. As a recipient of information from this website, you are not establishing a doctor/patient relationship with any physician. There is no replacement for personal treatment and advice from a physician or ergonomic professional.

Copyright © 2013 6826164 Canada Ltd.