Part 5: Working in isolation

A generally accepted definition of a teleworker is one that works from home at least one day per week.

However, some homeworkers spend a lot of time at home, visiting the main office of their employer only occasionally. In such circumstances it is important that employers consider what the HSE calls "lone worker" issues. Lone workers are those who "work by themselves without close or direct supervision", a description which may apply to some, but not all, homeworkers.

Certainly there is no general legal prohibition from working alone, although general health and safety requirements must be considered. For example, supervision should be considered as part of a risk assessment.

Generally, working alone in a clerical type job is not thought of as "high risk" when compared with work involving hazardous substances or tasks such as working with chemicals or electricals. As such, physical supervision may not be necessary.

However, employers should ask themselves whether or not the individual homeworker is suitable to work without supervision for periods of time. Additional training may be required and employers should not forget that stress could result from working in isolation for extended periods.

One regulation that must be considered is the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR 95). The RIDDOR regulations place a duty on the employer to report and keep a record of certain work-related accidents, injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences.

Employers have a duty to ensure that they find out about accidents, injuries, diseases or dangerous occurrences arising from work-related activities.