Computers: Heavyweight laptops pose risk

Thousands of professionals who use laptop computers could be risking a wide range of health problems, according to a report published yesterday. Workers who use the equipment regularly report headaches, eye, back and arm pain, public service union Unison found in a survey of careers advisers. The union said careers advisers have to carry equipment weighing around 20lb if they included printers and papers, according to Keith Sonnet, head of local government at Unison.

Mr Sonnet said careers advisers could not be expected to "carry their offices around from placed to place". He added:"The only way to avoid injuries is to have personal computers provided in offices, and in the case of careers advisers in schools and colleges. Where this is not a viable option, laptops should only be used after employers have carried out thorough risk assessments."