Desk based angle boards are portable angled surfaces which are placed on a desk to enable individuals to angle reading or writing tasks towards them, rather than having to lean forwards to access the work. By angling work towards the user, angle boards are designed to maintain the neck in a more upright position when undertaking reading or writing tasks and reduce overall muscle fatigue in this area.
Angle boards come in a range of set styles and materials or can be custom made. They can be used to support reading material, writing tasks or information that needs to be transferred to the computer and can be either of fixed angle and height or adjustable. Some angle boards have a lip at the base of the board to hold work materials, whilst others also have a clip, ruler or magnetic document holding system.
Angle board style document holders can be used immediately in front of the user for reading and writing tasks or positioned between the keyboard and monitor for information transferring tasks.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
For people undertaking desk based work requiring them to look down at books or documents for long periods, an angle board may assist in bringing work closer and allow the neck to remain in a more upright position and reduce fatigue. For short term use or whilst awaiting an angled document holder, a lever arch file can be laid down on the desk and used to support books or documents on an angle.
For specialised types of work, such as drafting, angled drafting desks are available or customised angle boards to specific sizes can be made.
For more information about correct workstation set up and use of angle boards, see the links below:
References
Comcare 2008, Officewise: A guide to health and safety in the office, Australian Government, Canberra, viewed 8 May 2011, http://www.comcare.gov.au/forms__and__publications/publications/safety_and_prevention/?a=39570
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2009, Vocational Aids & Equipment: Portable & Angled Work Surfaces, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., Sydney, viewed 8 May 2011, http://www.ilcnsw.asn.au/minor_groups/344/grid/1