Working from home – The H&S considerations
Working from home – The H&S considerations
This week we heard a debate on the radio about those who work from home. It sparked a conversation in our office about home working, hybrid working and transient workers – the pros and cons.
Home working is something that pre-covid was unfamiliar and may have even seemed impossible to many businesses, but has become the new normal for many. Video calls, online meetings and remote support are offered by many, some have changed the way they work and even WHERE they work from; home offices, newly built environment in gardens and shared working spaces.
So many of us have adapted, working at the dining table, setting up in the spare room, but have you suitably assessed the risk of your new working environment?
“Practice what you preach”
In March 2020, COVID-19 meant the Safety For team packed up our desks, took all we needed to safely and comfortably set up our temporary home offices. This included chairs, PAT checked electrical equipment, monitors, screen risers, wrist rests and document holders.
Our business is to help organisations manage their workplace health and safety, but we can only do that when we have a safe, comfortable and happy advisors.
Our teams checked in with each other and adapted as we need, ordering new desks and ergonomic seating for those who needed them and of course carried out DSE Assessments.
SO what do we need?
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers have a duty to protect:
Health ~ Safety ~ Welfare
This means:
Assessing the risks – their new working environment brings new/additional hazards such as slips, trips and falls, manual handling, using work equipment, work related stress and lone working elements.
An appropriate environment – Suitable ventilation, lighting, temperature, as well as ensuring employees have suitable means/space for resting, and facilities for food and drink breaks. Don’t forget to take a break away from your workstation, stretch your legs, get fresh air and a change of scenery.
Comfortable workstation and equipment – are they able to complete their working activities in the most efficient and safe means which will not result in poor health?
Good communication – This needs to be both ways. Establish the best channels whether this be over the phone, virtual check-ins or email/messaging channels to communicate and report any concerns. Consider how changes are implemented and reviewed
Remember: Any change to working environment or those who are doing the work, will mean reviewing your risk assessments and possibly your policy arrangements and safe systems of work.
Safety For are about Safety For ALL. Whatever your business size, industry and needs, we are here for you.
For more support, call our office on 01948 871 373 and speak with one of our professional and friendly team.