In line with current HSE guidance, employers should take a balanced and proportionate approach to assessing risk for homeworkersĮmployers should help employees assess and adapt their working environment by providing guidance and asking them to undertake a homeworking risk assessment. While the HSE took a relatively relaxed approach during the pandemic, it is likely to expect stricter compliance as the Covid-19 pandemic is brought under control and longer-term arrangements are put in place. The duty of care which employers owe to employees also apply to those working from home. There are also specific obligations in relation to the use of display screen equipment (see below). Employers must take measures to remove any hazards or, where this is not reasonably practicable, to minimise the associated risks. This involves identifying any hazards and assessing associated risks. Under the Health and Safety Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers have a general duty to conduct a risk assessment of all the work activities carried out by their employees. However, the exact nature of the assessment will depend on the type of work which is being undertaken at home. The UK’s workplace health and safety regulator, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), has updated its homeworking guidance which applies both to those working from home long term or as part of hybrid working arrangements.Īcas has also published guidance on working from home and hybrid working which can be accessed here.ĭo employers need to carry out a risk assessment for those working from home? This extends to safeguarding mental health and wellbeing. Employers owe a duty to take steps that are reasonably necessary to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all their employees, and provide and maintain a safe system of work - including for employees working from home. Health and safetyĭo employers have health and safety duties to homeworkers?
We consider the steps employers must take to manage ongoing risks of Covid-19 in the workplace in our FAQs on workplace policies and decisions for “Living with Covid.
All employers have statutory duties to provide a safe place of work and general legal duties of care towards anyone who may be accessing or using their place of business. However, Covid infection levels remain relatively high and infection in the workplace remains a risk. The Cabinet Office guidance now says that the government is no longer asking people to work from home, and people should talk to their employers to agree arrangements to return to the office.
No, the guidance to work from home was removed when the Plan B restrictions were lifted in January. Should office-based employees in England work from home?
0 kommentar(er)
