Protecting the health of home workers; What is required

Permanent Home working the new normal…

A regular enquiry still from businesses is home working and what employers need to do.

Many employers are unsure what the legal view point is, and what equipment they have to provide.

My understating of this situation, is that in May 2020, the HSE advised that under the Health and Safety at work Act employers have a duty of care to ensure that employees don`t get injured whilst at work. In May 2020, homeworking was considered a temporary response to the Covid 19 pandemic, which gave employers a bit of wiggle room with assessments. However following Government announcements in September, it is now clear that homework is permanent.

The HSE has changed its position, and legislation now needs to be followed to satisfy the requirements. With regards to Display station equipment (DSE), long term risks must be controlled, which now includes a workstation assessment to identify risks.

Those who are already at risk of adverse health conditions as a result of desk work, need to be reviewed, and specialist equipment may need to be considered to minimise injury. For other staff, they are required to perform a workstation assessment.

Employers also have a requirement to continually review the situation and the systems in place in line with the risk assessments, policies and procedures. This will require regular contact with their employees, to assess pain, discuss DSE requirement, hours and ensure that isolation has not had a negative effect on their mental health.

Employees need guidance how to work safety at home. Employees can be talked through desk assessments, or the assessments can be performed remotely with pictures and measurements, with advice provided in relation to set up or equipment.

If you would like any further assistance with this, please do not hesitate to get in touch @ info@yorkohs.com