Remote Worker Risk Assessment
In today’s modern economy, more and more people are opting to work from home. It makes a lot of sense as it reduces business costs and can help staff to have a healthier work-life balance. Many home-based workers in Coventry and Warwickshire really enjoy the flexibility of working from home. If this working style or working is managed properly, it can be a real asset to all kinds of different businesses. Many of JCH Safety’s clients, and their workers, favour home working as it can actually improve productivity. This is partly because shared offices can have negative effect of distracting people, particularly if they are noisy, busy offices. Home working can provide a quiet space where people can concentrate without the distractions of colleagues and this can help them to be more productive. It can also actually help to reduce stress by reducing interruptions and helping deadlines to be achieved. Home-based workers cover lots of industries and often there is a mix of office based and home based working as part of the working week. Industries embracing remote working include IT and software companies, sales professionals, education sector, consultants, traders and small businesses. The list is endless really, as more and more companies develop cloud based working practices and enjoy the benefits of modern communication techniques.
It is important that home working staff, or remote workers as they are often called, work safely. Their companies/ employers have a duty of care to their staff, even when they are working away from company premises, in their own homes. This is the case whether or not it is someone working alone or whether it is a group of remote workers together at an individual’s home. It is not unusual for groups of home-workers to work together and this brings about new risks that need to be assessed and managed.
Businesses and organisations need to consider the risks associated with using computers, electrical equipment, dealing with stress, the risks of lone working, manual handling, mental wellbeing, fire hazards, space, light, equipment and working techniques. In addition to this, it is important to make sure that staff are insured to work from home. It is good practice to notify your insurance provider that you’re arranging remote working for your staff and to review your insurance arrangements if necessary.
With a wide range of risk factors that require assessing it is important to carry out a remote worker risk assessment, to record your findings and to ensure that your staff are safe to carry out their work duties at home. JCH Safety are experts in this area of health and safety. If you require assistance please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Selecting the Right Health and Safety Consultants for Home Office Risk Assessments
At JCH Safety we are able to offer a wide range of fire, health and safety support, consultancy, training and assessments for all aspects of modern working across Coventry and Warwickshire. We are committed to protecting people from the harms that work can cause whilst ensuring our clients get the most from their team. After all, for business to flourish, employees need to be in good health, safe from the risks of harm and to feel valued. Depending on your existing arrangements and needs, our health and safety experts will be able to advise you. Selecting qualified, experienced and competent health and safety consultants is imperative.
DSE Assessments for Home Workers in Coventry and Warwickshire
Accidents can happen anywhere and if your team are working remotely, you need to ensure that these risks are properly managed. There are many health risks associated with computer workstations that can cause an array of health issues. It is a legal requirement to assess computer workstations and these will help to ensure your team to work comfortably and safely. These are often referred to as DSE assessments. Accessories such as footrests and document holders may be required, window blinds may be needed or additional lighting. Poor seating can cause an array of health problems including aches and pains, leg issues, RSI, upper limb disorders and carpal tunnel syndrome. These can cause long term health issues that reduce worker productivity and can lead to compensation claims. JCH Safety offer expert advice for safe working from home including the production of risk assessments and documentation, and recommendations for improvements.
Home workers should apply similar furniture standards to their home office as you would expect to see in an office. Quality seating and desks are very important. Chairs should be adjustable, substantial and built for the level of use they will be required for. There is a large selection of chairs available but it is vital that your staff have suitable chairs to use for work. They need to ensure correct posture, adequate support and be ergonomically designed. Regular home workers need a professional home office rather than simply working from the dining room table.
Finally, it is worth pointing out that not all home workers are office based. Small cottage industries work from home in light-manufacturing for example and there are engineers who carry out maintenance tasks from home. These industries carry risks, particularly if they are being done from domestic premises. As a result it is imperative that these tasks are properly assessed to ensure legal compliance with health and safety standards.
If you would like to arrange a remote home worker assessment in Coventry and Warwickshire, please get in touch.
Remote Workers and Travel
Remote working is much more than just working from home. Many people require to travel to see clients and to carry out work activities away from company premises. This can include builders and property maintenance technicians; engineers; insurance professionals; consultants and trainers; software engineers and business analysts; health professionals; and logistics workers. The list could carry on as so many businesses and public service require mobile, remote working. Risk assessments should be completed for all aspects of work where there is foreseeable risk. As a result you should have a range of generic risk assessments, specific and task risk assessments as well as driving risk assessments in place to keep your team safe while at work. It is also important to carry out regular vehicle, licence and insurance checks to keep your team safe and legally compliant when working remotely. For assistance with all aspects of risk assessment, remote working or any other health and safety issues in Coventry and Warwickshire, please get in touch.
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