The novel Coronavirus, Covid-19, is sweeping the globe.
The Australian government has enacted its emergency response plan, signifying that it is preparing for a pandemic event. Whilst the current advice is for businesses and people alike to continue as normal whilst exercising increased hygiene practices, the worst case scenario eventuating will have significant implications for business.
In the event of a worst case scenario, businesses may be advised where possible to direct workers to work from home.
It is important that your business starts planning for this now.
Here’s 3 things your should consider if planning to direct workers to work from home:
- Understand you obligations
It is important to remember that your work health and safety duties extend to when your employee is working from home. A business has a duty to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the health and safety of all employees whilst at work. Working from home fits into the definition of ‘at work.’ You should therefore approach working from home in regards to safety the same way you would working in the office. A risk management approach should be adopted.
An important place to start is a working from home policy. If you need help in preparing this policy, Employ Health can assist.
2. Proactively manage health and safety risks
There are a number of risks to consider for employees working from home. These include:
- Electrical safety - is the equipment test and tagged?
- Slip/trip fall hazards - providing training and education to workers about recognising and controlling hazards.
- Security - is the worker safe in this environment?
- First aid and fire safety.
One consideration often ignored is musculoskeletal disorder risk. Workers at home typically do not have access to the ergonomically designed equipment available in the office. They may be working from their work laptop, in positions that cause musculoskeletal pain and discomfort. Workers should be provided education and an ergonomic workstation assessment to minimise the risk. The gold standard is a home ergonomic workstation assessment performed by a suitably qualified professional. This assessment is an important opportunity for working from home safety training to be provided and documented, as well as an audit/risk assessment of the working environment.
3. Offer remote support if needed
If you mandate that workers are required to work from home for a period, you should be prepared to offer them support if required. This may be in the form of psychological support via your EAP program, or telehealth based healthcare.
Employ Health provides telehealth based musculoskeletal pain and injury support via our Rapid Response Physio service.
If your business needs help with managing the risks associated with mandated working from home, give us a call.
