Safety checks for homeworkers done?

A poll of IT directors by customer service applications provider Touchpaper, revealed that a third (35%) admitted they did not perform health and safety assessments, with a further 21% unable to confirm either way.

Homeworking was covered by the same health and safety regulations as any workplace, requiring regular safety checks to be performed on electrics, cabling, heating and ventilation and seating arrangements to ensure a safe working environment, said Touchpaper.

However, many firms were unaware of the guidelines covering remote working, with manufacturing and retail sector employers particularly at fault, it claimed.

'Same entitlements'

Graham Ridgway, chief executive at Touchpaper, said: "Home working is on the rise as communications technologies improve and employees seek a better work/life balance.

"As such, people who work from home need to be treated the same as those who work from the office, with the same access to support and information. Company policies and practices must keep up with these developments in the interests of employee safety and productivity."

Of the industry sectors surveyed as part of the research, financial services (56%) firms were most likely to carry out health and safety assessments. Overall, 78% of the businesses questioned allowed staff to work at home with company supplied equipment.

"While it is really positive to see so many companies embrace mobile working, it is imperative that home workers are offered the same facilities, services and health and safety entitlements as those in the office to ensure maximum productivity and a safe working environment," said Mr Ridgeway.

According to the Office for National Statistics, over 2.1 million people now work from home across the UK and around eight million spend at least some of their working week in the house instead of the office.

Hazards overlooked

This latest survey backs-up research carried out last year by the Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL), which found that most homeworkers, as well as employers, were uncertain about the health and safety legislation relevant to working from home.

The HSL found there was a need for risk assessments to be carried out that were "specific to each homeworker's working environment." It said that such assessments should involve the homeworker in identifying potential hazards.

Their report also highlighted that one area of risk assessment often overlooked was fire. This was especially the case when it came to emergency procedures, as well as precautions to take to avoid a fire.

Another issue highlighted by the researchers was the need for good communication. It said homeworkers should have one or two "key contacts" within their organisation for maintaining regular communication. Isolation was a "potential hazard" for homeworkers that could effect their health, according to the report.

The report, 'Health and safety of homeworkers: Good practice case studies' can be downloaded from the HSE website - see link above/right.