The HSE has published much needed guidance on homeworking which should help to clear up some of the health and safety questions. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 requires employers to protect the health, safety and welfare of all employees, including homeworkers.
As part of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992, employers must conduct a risk assessment of the work done by home workers. There are five stages to the risk assessment outlined in the guidance:
- Identify any hazards.
- Decide who might be harmed and how.
- Assess the risks and take appropriate action to remove them or reduce them as far as possible.
- Record the findings.
- Check the risks from time to time and take further steps if needed.
Common hazards for home workers include heavy lifting, using electrical equipment, and working with computer monitors. It is important for companies to realise that their health and safety duties extend to home workers. If you would like a copy of the new guidance, please send an e-mail to info@workplacelaw.net
