Working from home safety checklist: Essential tips for workplaces

Working from home is now a standard arrangement for many Australians. While it offers flexibility and comfort, it also introduces new health and safety considerations. Both employers and employees need to be proactive in managing risks to ensure a safe, healthy, and productive remote work environment.

This guide provides practical tips and a comprehensive checklist to help you create a safe workspace at home, using the latest guidance from Safe Work Australia and mental health experts.

Why working from home safety matters

With more people working remotely, workplace health and safety (WHS) responsibilities remain unchanged. Employers must ensure their team members are safe, even when working away from the office. Work-related injuries and illnesses can occur in any setting, including the home.

Setting up a safe home workspace

The 3 Ps: Position, Place, and Posture

Position

Good lighting is essential for concentration and to prevent eyestrain. Make sure your workspace is well-lit, but avoid glare on your screen. Adjust your monitor’s distance and display size for comfort. If you attend video calls, position lighting in front of you to avoid being backlit.

Place

Not everyone has a dedicated home office. Whether you work at a desk, dining table, or in a nook, consider airflow, access to power points, and available space. Tailor your environment to your needs—background music, silence, or noise-cancelling headphones can all help you focus.

Posture 

Maintain good posture to reduce the risk of injury. Employers can support this by providing ergonomic equipment or a set-up allowance. Share guides or videos on healthy workstation arrangements, and encourage regular movement to support circulation and mobility.

Wellbeing and mental health when working from home

Working remotely can be isolating. It’s important to look after your mental health as well as your physical safety. The Black Dog Institute recommends:

• Scheduling regular breaks, including short walks, calls with friends, or moments of meditation
• Checking in with colleagues for social connection
• Setting boundaries between work and personal time
• Seeking support if you feel overwhelmed

For more advice, visit the Black Dog Institute’s guide.

Workers’ compensation and employer responsibilities

Employers have a duty of care to ensure the health and safety of their employees, even when working from home. This includes:

• Consulting with employees about WHS risks
• Providing information, training, and resources
• Reviewing and updating policies to reflect remote work arrangements

Employees should report any work-related injuries or hazards to their employer as soon as possible. For more information, visit Safe Work Australia.

Practical working from home checklist

Use this checklist to review your home workspace:

• Is your chair supportive and adjustable?
• Is your desk at a comfortable height?
• Are your monitor and keyboard positioned to avoid strain?
• Is your workspace free from trip hazards?
• Do you have adequate lighting and ventilation?
• Are emergency contacts and first aid supplies accessible?
• Do you take regular breaks and move throughout the day?
• Are you maintaining social connections with your team?

Download the full checklist here.

Managing risks: Employer and employee actions 

For employers

• Regularly consult with employees about their home work environment
• Provide resources and support for safe set-up
• Encourage reporting of hazards and incidents
• Update WHS policies to include remote work

For employees

• Follow your employer’s safety guidelines
• Set up your workspace to minimise risks
• Report any hazards or injuries promptly
• Take responsibility for your own wellbeing

Employers' considerations for employees working from home

As in the office, work health and safety obligations still apply.

Employers have a practical duty to provide a safe working environment for their employees. At a minimum, employers should typically develop some health and safety expectations, and set up a process to ensure these are being implemented.

Some organisations conduct formal inspections of homes before approving remote arrangements, either in person or via video conferencing. In this inspection, employers may request to view an employee’s work-station, for example their desk, chair and computer set-up.

This is to ensure that employees are as comfortable and safe as possible. While many workplaces have now transitioned to hybrid working setups, employers are still required to take health and safety precautions, and ensure they have appropriate levels of cover in case an incident occurs.

The tips above are by no means an exhaustive list. To further protect the health and safety of your employees, make sure you’re covered. Workers' compensation is a form of compulsory insurance for all employers in Australia. Learn more about what's included in Workers' Compensation Insurance with GIO and get a free quote today.

Get a Workers' Compensation Insurance Quote 

Read more:

• Why do I need workers compensation insurance? 
• The different types of business insurance
• Is insurance tax deductible?

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.