Working from home can improve productivity and work-life balance. Read about the Health & Safety requirements for working from home and how you can keep remote workers safe from occupational risks.
Through economic changes, many companies across the globe have chosen to incorporate remote working methods into their business. Employees have acclimatised to working from home, setting up office spaces within their residence.
Employees designate a space in their homes to host virtual meetings and conferences - mirroring their previous workplace. The recent introduction of better communication innovations has improved the capability of working remotely.
However, employers must be reminded of their Health & Safety responsibilities for their workers. Whether employees work onsite or offsite, you must manage any potential risks that could inflict them at home; this guide explains how.
What is working from home Health & Safety?
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999), employers have a legal duty of care for all employees under their management. The law applies where employees work from home, not exclusively to just working from a commercial premises.
Flexible working may improve performance but it does have its own challenges. Concerns when for working from home can range from mental health issues to lack of control over working environments.
How do I protect home workers’ Health & Safety?
In the next few sections, we will go through the Health & Safety considerations that are required for home working.
Display Screen Equipment (DSE)
Employees working from home typically do so from a desk with a computer. Other devices such as mobile phones, tablets and laptops are all types of display screen equipment.
Employers should provide advice to all remote employees on how to set their workstation up and how to complete their own display screen equipment checklist, to assess the safety of their workstation. If employees have a hybrid arrangement, they will require a display screen equipment checklist for both workplaces.
You can monitor and reduce display screen equipment risks by providing employees with these tips:
Take regular breaks by shortening DSE work periods (five minutes every hour)
Adopt a good working posture, sitting in a proper desk chair
Avoid awkward or static working postures by regularly changing your position
Reduce eye fatigue by blinking more and changing your focus
Report any aches, discomfort, or pains that relate to the DSE work setup.
Employers can also help staff work comfortably by providing ergonomic equipment like:
Computer monitors
Computer mice and keyboards
Support cushions
Ergonomic chairs
Height-adjustable desks
Wrist rests for mice and keyboard use
Lumbar support cushions
Lone working
A home worker, although they work in their own home is a lone worker. Employers must take reasonable steps to ensure their safety while working alone in their home.
The employer would also need to establish:
How they can maintain regular communication, and what measures to take if they cannot get in touch with their employee.
Whether someone can perform their tasks safely from home.
What security measures the employee has in their home. This can be as simple as confirming that the employee can secure their home and advising them to do so during working hours.
Mental health and stress
For some remote employees, working from home can negatively affect their mental health. The effects can include:
Work-related stress
Social anxiety
An intense sense of guilt
Special attention should be made to ensure managers can spot the signs of stress and mental health issues, as workers are remote this could be harder to do than if workers are physically present, meaning managers need to be more proactive and observant.
Key indications that an employee is mentally struggling are:
Noticeable changes in behaviour, such as becoming withdrawn or less communicative.
Reduced productivity or difficulty concentrating on tasks
Increased irritability, frustration, or emotional responses
Missing deadlines or a decline in work quality
Changes in availability, such as logging on late, logging off early, or being frequently absent
Reluctance to engage in meetings, calls, or team discussions
Signs of fatigue, low motivation, or disengagement
Mentioning feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or unable to cope
If communication is weak, remote workers can often feel abandoned and helpless. Which can affect their work performance and potentially their mental health state.
Giving your employees access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) can ensure that they get confidential support when they feel they need it.
Ensuring the home is a suitable workplace
Before home working begins, employers should ensure that the employee’s home environment is suitable for carrying out their work safely. While employers do not need to physically inspect every home, they must take reasonable steps to assess whether the environment is appropriate and free from significant risk.
A home workspace should be suitable, dedicated where possible, and allow the employee to work without unnecessary hazards or distractions. This includes having enough space to work comfortably, appropriate lighting, and suitable ventilation and temperature control.
Key considerations when assessing suitability include:
Whether there is a clear, designated work area that is free from obstructions and trip hazards.
Whether suitable furniture and equipment are available to support safe working (e.g. desk, chair, and IT equipment).
Whether lighting, temperature, and ventilation are adequate for prolonged working.
Whether electrical equipment is safe, well maintained, and in good condition.
Whether fire safety arrangements are in place, such as working smoke alarms and clear escape routes.
Employers should use a home working risk assessment or checklist to gather this information. This can be completed by the employee (self-assessment), supported by guidance from the employer, or verified through virtual checks if required.
Peninsula offers expert advice for working from home Health & Safety
Remote working offers clear benefits for both employees and businesses, including improved flexibility, reduced commuting, and increased productivity. However, these benefits must be balanced with effective health and safety management.
Employers remain legally responsible for managing risks and preventing harm, regardless of where employees are working. This includes ensuring suitable equipment, clear communication, and support for both physical and mental wellbeing.
Taking a proactive and structured approach to home working health and safety will help protect employees and support long-term business performance.
Peninsula offers expert employment Health & Safety advice and can help you create a working from home risk assessment sample, perfect for your business. We also provide appropriate information, supervision, and training on how to control safety risks whilst working from home.
Peninsula clients also get access to 24/7 HR consultation on safe working requirements. And if you are not yet a client, you can still enjoy free advice from one of our business specialists. Simply call us on 0800 158 2313.
