Document holders are designed to hold reference material to allow positioning according to the visual and ergonomic needs of the user. If positioned well document holders may assist in the prevention of neck and shoulder strains by reducing bending and twisting movements of the neck.
Upright movable document holders can be positioned next to the screen at the same height and visual distance from the user as the screen. A-frame or flat document holders can be positioned between the screen and keyboard to support multiple or bulky papers. A-frames need sufficient adjustment to raise, lower and angle documents to accommodate different screen heights and desk depths.
Line guides are simple counter-weighted devices which keep your place on your document. Line guides are invaluable for editing tasks - or for wherever you would use your finger to mark a place on the document.
(Comcare 2006; Atlas Ergonomic Book and Copy Holders 2007)
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Some document holders have a transparent line guide with magnifying properties to assist people with vision impairment. People with cognitive limitations may find reading easier through use of a line guide to identify or highlight one line of text at a time.
Document holders are ideally positioned the same distance from your eyes as the computer monitor. This prevents fatigue caused by repeatedly refocusing your eyes. However, if the print on your documents is so small that you cannot see it from that distance, bring the document closer to you, rather than bending your neck or straining forward to see the document.
(Job Accommodation Network 2007; Atlas Ergonomic Book and Copy Holders 2007)
References
Comcare 2006, Officewise. A guide to health and safety in the office, Commonwealth Government of Australia, Canberra, viewed 24 November 2007,
Atlas Ergonomic Book and Copy Holders 2007, Line guides, Atlas Ergonomic Book and Copy Holders, Cincinnati, viewed 24 November 2007,
Job Accommodation Network 2007, Job Accommodations for People with Mental Retardation or other Developmental Disabilities, Office of Disability Employment Policy U.S. Department of Labor, West Virginia, viewed 24 November 2007.