HSE zeroes in on home worker safety amid calls for ‘more guidance’

In a press release issued this week, HSE says stress and mental health, display screen equipment, and working environment are the particular risks that employers should focus on managing. 

Home and hybrid working is now found across almost every sector and business size. Latest ONS figures show that more than a third of us, or 38 per cent of people in Britain, are currently working remotely or in a hybrid arrangement. Thirteen per cent are fully remote workers.

HSE says protecting the health and safety of hybrid and home workers is a “legal duty, not optional guidance.” Photograph: iStock

Barbara Hockey, from HSE Engagement and Policy Division, said that with home working now so widespread, it's important employers understand their responsibilities. “Most of the time, the risks are low and the steps to manage them are straightforward, and HSE provides free guidance to support you," she said. 

“Practically, this means managers keeping in regular contact with their teams, talking openly about workloads and training needs, and making sure people aren't under pressure to work outside their normal working hours."
  
“It also means having simple conversations about the physical environment by asking staff to visually check that their equipment is safe and not damaged.”

Pressure 

The advice follows calls from a House of Lords Select Committee on Home-Based Working to increase efforts on guidance in this area.

The Committee’s report Is working from home working? which consolidated evidence submitted by over 800 organisations, recommended government launch a new campaign directed at workers and to create guidance on different forms of home working and best practice.

Hence, the press release from HSE, which the government in its response to the report has committed to doing more in terms of publicising its existing information and guidance. 

“The government shares the committee’s view and is working closely with HSE on employer responsibilities towards home workers," says the government response to the Committee, issued on 4 March. "HSE has existing guidance for home workers which includes those who work at home long term and those who routinely split their time between their workplace and home. This guidance helps employers understand that they have the same health and safety responsibilities for all workers.

“HSE will promote this guidance through a communications campaign with a multi-channel approach using HSE digital channels, stakeholder channels, and media to raise awareness, improve dutyholder capability and emphasise legal compliance.”

A new standard for remote workers

A new ISO standard is also expected to shed more light for employers on their duties towards remote workers. The Draft International Standard (DIS) for Occupational health and safety management - Guidelines for remote working (ISO 45008) offers practical guidance applicable not just to home working, but to mobile roles, client sites and other remote locations. 

To provide feedback on the draft, visit BSI's website here

HSE guidance on managing home workers' health and safety here