Laptop carry bag safety
On this page:
- How to pack your carry bag
- How to wear your carry bag
- How to put your carry bag on and take it off
- Walking tips
- Observe the warning signs
When used safely, your laptop carry bag can protect you from injury and your laptop from damage.
Bags that are too heavy or worn incorrectly may damage a muscle or joint, which could lead to back, neck and shoulder pain. Heavy bags can also damage your laptop.
It is recommended that you wear your laptop carry bag as a backpack. Backpacks carry loads safely by stabilising the distribution of weight close to your spine.
How to pack your carry bag
Don't overload your laptop carry bag. To avoid injury, make an extra trip instead.
To pack the carry bag effectively:
- place the heaviest item in the compartment that sits closest to your spine
- pack other weighty items as low and as close to your spine as possible
- pack lighter items further away from your spine
- secure other items in the pockets to prevent them from moving.
How to wear your carry bag
Wear both straps over both shoulders.
Adjust the straps, ensuring they are not too loose or so tight that they restrict arm movement.
Position the backpack in the middle of your back, between your shoulders and hips. This helps minimise muscle strain.
Do not allow the backpack to fall under your lower back.
Do not to carry the bag by the loop handles as this places an uneven strain on your body and may cause you to trip.
How to put your carry bag on and take it off
To avoid injury:
- avoid twisting your body
- lift the carry bag to your shoulders from desk height
- when taking your bag off, lower it to desk height, not floor height
- when lifting your carry bag
- use the loop on the top, bend your knees and push up using your legs
- as you do this, put one arm through the shoulder straps - repeat with the other shoulder strap
- or, use the edge of a desk and loop both arms through the straps before lifting.
- use the loop on the top, bend your knees and push up using your legs
Walking tips
As your laptop already weighs more than 2kg, avoid carrying too many other items in your bag. It is recommended that you do not carry more than 10 to 15 per cent of your body weight.
Avoid carrying peripheral items by using a docking station at work and at home.
Make an extra trip rather than trying to carry too much at once.
Take regular breaks when carrying a heavy carry bag for a long period, making sure to remove the carry bag while you rest.
Observe the warning signs
Listen to your body's warning signs.
You will know your carry bag is incorrectly fitted or too heavy for you if:
- your posture changes when carrying the bag
- you experience pain while wearing it
- you experience tingling or numbness in your arms
- you have red marks on your shoulders
- you have difficulty putting on or removing the bag.
Further information on the safe use of laptops is available on the Creating Healthier Workplaces website.
