Homeworker Health And Safety - What You Need To Know

Added: 20 Nov 2013 15:00 - Uncategorized

Whether you already employ home workers on a full or part time basis or this is something you are considering for the future, you might be wondering how this type of working arrangement is affected by health and safety regulations. Well, even though your homeworkers will not be working on your premises, you still have the same legal responsibilities for employees working at home that you do for your employees in your workplace.

First Health And Safety Home Worker Health And Safety Training For Employers And Employees

Working from home is becoming more and more popular across the UK. With our high speed connections and “work from anywhere” options, there has never been a better time to leave the confines of the office and work somewhere that is often more productive and less disruptive.

Home workers generally get more done during the normal working day as they are away from the many distractions that office life brings. And with the technology we have available such as mobile phones, tablets and laptops, they are able to do everything they could do in the office and often much more.

Our home worker health and safety training courses teach employers and employees about the regulations affecting home working and how to manage risk. On completion of this course, delegates will understand how to put adequate strategies into place that will reduce the risk of accident or injury.

Your Responsibilities As An Employer

It’s important that any employer offering home working options does so with the same diligence as offering work within the workplace. That means certain health and safety duties need to be carried out to ensure any potential risks are minimised.

These duties are likely to include:

• arranging a full health and safety risk assessment
• procurement of employers liability insurance if you don’t already have a policy in place
• assessment of all equipment or tools to ensure they are fit for purpose and safe
• testing and maintaining any electrical equipment that has been provided by the business
• arranging a workplace assessment to ensure home workers are comfortable and can work without any risk to their health
• ensuring lighting levels are adequate
• avoiding trip hazards from work furniture, equipment or trailing wires
• ensuring home workers receive the right training if required
• ensuring that adequate records are kept for any accidents, injuries or illnesses experienced by employees working from home

Most home workers will be using their computers to carry out their work and this can have a detrimental effect on their eyesight over time. Regular eye tests should be arranged and paid for by the employer and guidance given regarding breaks away from the screen. Homeworkers are also responsible for their own health and safety and that of anybody that is in the vicinity of their equipment, tools and working environment.

The HSE offers a great PDF that covers all aspects of health and safety for home workers - Homeworkers – Guidance for employers on health and safety

Work From Home, Learn From Home

One of the best things about our home worker health and safety training is that it can be studied anywhere you have access to the Internet. That means you can train at home, in the workplace and even on the bus home from work. Booking your place is easy and you can also try out our FREE online demo to get a taste of health and safety training for yourself.