Has your employer considered the Health and Safety implications?

Home working has now become normal practice following the Coronavirus outbreak. However, there are some risks which need to be addressed, to make sure that your home is safe. The employer must apply the same duty of care, whether working from home or in an office environment.

Regular communication is important in order that remote workers do not feel isolated and excluded from the team. If this is not managed correctly, it could lead to stress. The organisation must make sure that the employee remains motivated and engaged.

Some aspects to consider:

  1. Maintain regular communication (at least once day).
  2. Vary tasks if possible.
  3. Communicate the importance of regular breaks away from the work location.
  4. Make sure that the employer completes a ‘Suitable and Sufficient’ home working risk assessment.

Common risks facing people working from home include:

  • Stress and anxiety caused by isolation, as well as not separating work and home life. There may be the temptation to work beyond working hours.
  • Lone working risks, especially if an employee is injured at home. (Lone employees should provide an emergency contact to their employer).
  • Electrocution risks caused by faulty electrical equipment.
  • Manual handling back injuries, if employees must lift or carry things.
  • Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Issues. Adequate lighting levels (no glare). Chair with good back support functions. Desk of the correct height. Suitable keyboard and mouse device with adequate space.

Employees working from home are more committed and feel valued, when their employer demonstrates a positive proactive approach to health and safety.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has made information available on ‘Safe Homeworking’

https://www.hse.gov.uk/toolbox/workers/home.htm

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) have communicated a document that addresses ‘Managing home working’ it included a checklist that can be used to assess risk.

https://www.iosh.com/media/1507/iosh-home-office-mobile-office-full-report-2014.pdf

Please don’t hesitate to contact us on 0800 690 6293 or just complete our contact form.

We will be pleased to assist you further.