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Homeworker Assessment

Home worker Risk Assessment

A Home Worker Risk Assessment reviews the working conditions and potential hazards for people working from home. This assessment should evaluate all possible risks associated with a home worker's job, including environmental risks such as an inadequate workspace or incorrect posture while sitting; ergonomic risks such as the use of inappropriate equipment or incorrect technique while typing; and any health-related issues caused by a sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity. By considering these factors, employers can help ensure that their employees are safe, healthy, and productive in their home working environment.

As a home worker, assessing the risks associated with working in an at-home environment is essential. To do this

1. Assessed workspace to ensure it meets all ergonomic standards, such as having proper back and neck support, an adjustable chair and desk height, and adequate lighting.

2. Checked all equipment to ensure it was functioning correctly and safely.

3. Set up appropriate anti-virus and firewalls on devices for online security purposes.

4. Ensured the home workstation was in an area away from distraction so I could focus on tasks without interruption.

5. Adjust the monitor to sit at eye level with it and adjust any external devices, such as keyboards and mice, so they are positioned correctly for comfort.

6. Take regular breaks from computer use to avoid strain on the eyes, back, and neck muscles over extended periods.

7. Familiarized with safe online behaviour, such as not opening suspicious emails or downloading untrusted files or software.

8. Considered additional measures like wrist rests, a separate phone/voicemail system and a headset if needed.

The essential guide for a home working risk assessment

In both Ireland and the UK, employers are specifically obligated to ensure every employee's welfare, health, and safety, even those who work remotely.

Working from home has significantly increased due to the Covid-19 outbreak and the ongoing campaign of self-isolation to stop its spread.

When employees work off-site, employers are still obligated to treat them with the same level of care.

This includes giving the home worker access to supervision, instruction, and training and putting in place adequate control measures to keep them safe. The employer is responsible if a worker doing homework has an accident or gets hurt.

Safe Team has developed a home working risk assessment guide for your employees. The following are the main topics covered:

Desk region

The workplace must be large enough for employees to work comfortably.

Under each employee's desk, there should be enough room to extend their legs.

Around the employees' workspaces, all dangling electrical cables must be securely fastened.

Employers must ensure the workspace is cosy, well-lit, and ventilated.

Setup of a display

Ensure the desk chair is configured correctly to offer lower back support, armrests, and space for feet to touch the ground flatly.

To prevent the upper body from being twisted or strained when reaching for something, ensure your desk has enough space for you to work comfortably.

Raise the display screen to eye level to prevent neck and head pain.

By strategically positioning display screens, you can prevent glare from windows or lights and prevent eye strain for your staff.

Handling manually

Have everything you need close at hand.

To avoid having to lower heavy items, store them on lower shelves,

Ensure that every employee knows how to safely lift, carry, and lower heavy objects.

Hybrid DSE Assessments

Home worker Risk Assessment

A Home Worker Risk Assessment reviews the working conditions and potential hazards for people working from home. This assessment should evaluate all possible risks associated with a home worker's job, including environmental risks such as an inadequate workspace or incorrect posture while sitting; ergonomic risks such as the use of inappropriate equipment or incorrect technique while typing; and any health-related issues caused by a sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity. By considering these factors, employers can help ensure that their employees are safe, healthy, and productive in their home working environment.

As a home worker, assessing the risks associated with working in an at-home environment is essential. To do this

1. Assessed workspace to ensure it meets all ergonomic standards, such as having proper back and neck support, an adjustable chair and desk height, and adequate lighting.

2. Checked all equipment to ensure it was functioning correctly and safely.

3. Set up appropriate anti-virus and firewalls on devices for online security purposes.

4. Ensured the home workstation was in an area away from distraction so I could focus on tasks without interruption.

5. Adjust the monitor to sit at eye level with it and adjust any external devices, such as keyboards and mice, so they are positioned correctly for comfort.

6. Take regular breaks from computer use to avoid strain on the eyes, back, and neck muscles over extended periods.

7. Familiarized with safe online behaviour, such as not opening suspicious emails or downloading untrusted files or software.

8. Considered additional measures like wrist rests, a separate phone/voicemail system and a headset if needed.

The essential guide for a home working risk assessment

In both Ireland and the UK, employers are specifically obligated to ensure every employee's welfare, health, and safety, even those who work remotely.

Working from home has significantly increased due to the Covid-19 outbreak and the ongoing campaign of self-isolation to stop its spread.

When employees work off-site, employers are still obligated to treat them with the same level of care.

This includes giving the home worker access to supervision, instruction, and training and putting in place adequate control measures to keep them safe. The employer is responsible if a worker doing homework has an accident or gets hurt.

Safe Team has developed a home working risk assessment guide for your employees. The following are the main topics covered:

Desk region

The workplace must be large enough for employees to work comfortably.

Under each employee's desk, there should be enough room to extend their legs.

Around the employees' workspaces, all dangling electrical cables must be securely fastened.

Employers must ensure the workspace is cosy, well-lit, and ventilated.

Setup of a display

Ensure the desk chair is configured correctly to offer lower back support, armrests, and space for feet to touch the ground flatly.

To prevent the upper body from being twisted or strained when reaching for something, ensure your desk has enough space for you to work comfortably.

Raise the display screen to eye level to prevent neck and head pain.

By strategically positioning display screens, you can prevent glare from windows or lights and prevent eye strain for your staff.

Handling manually

Have everything you need close at hand.

To avoid having to lower heavy items, store them on lower shelves,

Ensure that every employee knows how to safely lift, carry, and lower heavy objects.

However, it is important to note that an online DSE assessment may not be as accurate or comprehensive as an on-site assessment, as it may not take into account the specific physical conditions of the workstation or the individual's posture and work practices.