WASHINGTON, DC - The Occupational Safety and Health Administration today raised the safety incident probability rating of laptop computers, making them unsafe for use in the work
area without precautionary measures. The ruling comes on the heels of a three year study of work-related incidents and new information on laptop materials. Employers will have six months to
implement the new procedures or face stiff fines.
 "The mounting dangers of these devices warranted sweeping changes."
said Herman Licklighter, Assistant Secretary of Compliance for OSHA. "We're all aware of the exploding battery scare a couple of years ago. Unfortunately, injuries from that problem were so rare that we
couldn't justify enforceable regulations. But after an exhaustive study, we've been able to gather enough injury case studies, and identify toxic materials in these dangerous devices to declare them unsafe."
Many of the new regulations stem from hazardous substances contained in battery packs and power supplies. Employers will be required to provide special areas for laptop use, clear of flammable materials
and equipped with fire extinguishers. Protective clothing and eyewear must also be provided. When used portably, special netting will be required to keep the device from falling to the floor, possibly rupturing
and releasing toxic substances or fumes.
Laptops will no longer be permitted to be used directly on the lap, as heat build-up has caused muscular atrophy in many cases. Computing sans mouse, with touchpads, trackballs and joystick buttons, will have time
constraints to alleviate the stress of 'unnatural movements'.
Some critics, though, contend the regulations don't go far enough. "Employers provide these laptops so their employees can continue working outside the office." says Marilyn Sheehan, Director of the Center for Quality Labor.
"Businesses should be required to provide these protective measures in airplanes, hotels, subways, employee's homes, anywhere these menacing devices are in use."
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