RISK MANAGEMENT
Working from home: How to manage the occupational risks
Many Australian workplaces have employees working from home. However, since the pandemic, the concept of remote working has transformed, due largely to a skyrocketing number of Aussies working this way.
As more people embrace remote work options, it’s important for employers to assess the occupational risks involved with working from home.
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What are the occupational risks?
Key considerations include:
Home office ergonomics and equipment
The design and setup of equipment significantly impacts the physical well-being of remote workers.
Work environment
Things like noise level, room temperatures, layout of the designated working area and lighting can affect productivity and health.
Electrical safety
Electrical equipment such as computers and printers, should be in good working order with no frayed power cables or other risks.
Musculoskeletal risks
Hazards related to slips, trips and falls should be minimised to promote a safe home workspace.
First aid and emergency preparedness
Every worker should have access to first aid gear and emergency contact information.
Psychosocial risks
Working from home can also introduce psychosocial risks, including:
- working in isolation
- fatigue
- poorly managed organisational change and job insecurity
- ineffective communication and a lack of support, and
- balancing additional responsibilities, such as caring for children.
In some cases, the home environment may expose workers to an increased risk of family or domestic violence.
More information is available via Safe Work Australia.
Work Health and Safety
Work Health and Safety (WHS) obligations still apply in remote work scenarios.
While employers need to consider both physical and mental health aspects, workers are also responsible for their well-being. This includes complying with reasonable instructions from their employer and following relevant policies.
Risk controls for businesses to consider
For employers:
- Conduct a risk assessment and evaluate the intended workplace for each remote worker. A health and safety checklist could be used to ensure it addresses the various risks.
- Provide training to give remote workers the necessary knowledge to set up a safe home working environment.
- Equip workers with appropriate emergency management information for managing hazards or incidents.
- Establish effective communication channels with remote workers.
- Implement planning, management and communication processes for organisational changes.
- Ensure all workers are aware of resources are available to them in the event of domestic or family violence. This may include paid leave entitlements and confidential counselling services.
For workers:
- Create and maintain a dedicated home office space, separate from other activities.
- Keep the immediate working environment free from hazards.
- Review and understand emergency evacuation procedures from the home office, ensuring exit routes are always kept clear.
- Adhere to manufacturer's instructions for maintaining home office equipment.
- Follow guidance on ergonomic practices for a healthy office environment.
- Report safety or personal security incidents.
- Maintain regular communication with your leaders for support.
Workers Compensation Insurance
For businesses in Western Australia, the Northern Territory, ACT and Tasmania, GIO offers Workers Compensation Insurance. We also offer support services for your business, including risk management and training courses.
Read more:
- Working from home safety checklist
- How to tell your mind the workday is over
- Leading by example: Why better health in the workplace starts with you
Insurance issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as GIO. In NSW, GIO manages claims as agent for the Workers Compensation Nominal Insurer ABN 83 564 379 108, also known as icare workers insurance.
The information is intended to be of a general nature only. Subject to any rights you may have under any law, we do not accept any legal responsibility for any loss or damage, including loss of business or profits or any other indirect loss incurred as a result of reliance upon the information. Please make your own enquiries.
