The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) underscore the necessity of ensuring health and safety for all employees, including those working remotely. By performing a working from home risk assessment, employers can identify hazards and implement measures to mitigate them, safeguarding both physical and mental health.
Research highlights that homeworking can increase staff motivation, reduce stress and sickness levels, and maintain productivity. However, working from home presents unique challenges and risks, making it essential for employers to conduct working from home risk assessments.
What are employer responsibilities for working from home?
These are an employer’s health and safety responsibilities for home working:
Legal compliance
Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers are legally required to protect employees from harm. This includes those working remotely.
Risk assessments must:
- Identify hazards. Recognise anything that could cause injury or illness.
- Assess risks. Evaluate the likelihood of these hazards impacting employees.
- Control risks. Implement appropriate measures to reduce or eliminate risks.
Employers also have legal duties under the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992. This includes assessing workstation setups to minimise risks of musculoskeletal issues, eye strain, and fatigue.
Mitigating isolation and mental health risks
Approximately 25% of employees working from home experience loneliness and isolation, according to recent studies. These feelings can negatively impact mental health and productivity.
A working from home risk assessment should include measures to address these risks, such as encouraging regular communication, providing access to mental health resources, and fostering a supportive virtual workplace culture.
Addressing physical hazards
Homeworking often involves extended use of display screen equipment (DSE), which can lead to musculoskeletal disorders if not properly managed. A working from home risk assessment can help employers ensure that employees’ home workstations meet ergonomic standards, minimising the risk of injury.
What should a working from home risk assessment cover?
A working from home risk assessment must address several critical areas to protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of employees. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) highlights three primary areas of focus:
Display screen equipment (DSE)
Proper workstation setup is essential to minimise the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and other health issues related to prolonged use of display screen equipment. Employers must assess the following:
- Ergonomic furniture. Employees should have access to an adjustable chair with adequate lumbar support and a suitable desk height to promote good posture.
- Monitor positioning. Monitors should be placed at eye level and at an arm’s length to prevent neck strain and eye fatigue. Dual screens, if required, should be arranged ergonomically.
- Keyboard and mouse. These should be positioned so that wrists remain straight, and arms are at a 90-degree angle. Wrist rests and ergonomic mice can provide additional support.
- Lighting and screen glare. The workspace should be well-lit, with minimal glare on screens. Position desks perpendicular to windows where possible to reduce glare.
- Breaks and exercises. Employees should be encouraged to take regular breaks, stretch, and change positions throughout the day to avoid discomfort or strain.
At Praxis42, we offer online Display Screen Equipment Training to support all employees to address and mitigate the risks of working with display screen equipment.
We also provide an Online DSE Assessment Tool which is an easy way for employees to self-evaluate their workstation. Managers can then view employees’ feedback on their workstation setup and physical environment and take any required action.
Working environment and accidents
The physical working environment at home presents unique challenges that employers must consider as part of the risk assessment. Key areas include:
- Trip hazards. Loose cables, clutter, or poorly arranged furniture can increase the risk of trips and falls. Employees should be advised to organise their workspace to minimise such hazards.
- Electrical safety. All equipment supplied by the employer should be tested for safety. Employees should be reminded to avoid overloading sockets and to check for damaged cables.
- Lighting. Adequate lighting is crucial to reduce eye strain and improve overall comfort. Employers should encourage employees to use adjustable lighting where necessary.
- Temperature and ventilation. The home workspace should be well-ventilated and maintained at a comfortable temperature to promote productivity and wellbeing.
- Emergency preparedness. Employees should be aware of the location of fire extinguishers and escape routes in their homes and encouraged to keep their work area free from flammable materials.
Providing employees with practical advice and resources, such as a checklist for assessing their home environment, can help identify and reduce these risks.
Our Homeworker Awareness Course focuses on hazard identification, reporting accidents, first aid and more. It is an essential course for every employee who works from home.
Stress and mental health
Employers must give careful consideration to the mental health challenges associated with homeworking, particularly stress and feelings of isolation.
One of the most significant risks of homeworking is the sense of disconnection from colleagues and the wider workplace community. While office distractions can sometimes hinder productivity, they also provide opportunities for valuable social interactions that foster motivation. These are often missing when working from home.
Employers can take proactive steps to support employees’ mental wellbeing:
- Regular communication. Encourage frequent check-ins through video calls, phone calls, or emails.
- Team interaction. Create opportunities for virtual team-building activities or informal catchups.
- Routine setting. Promote a structured workday that includes time for communication and collaboration.
Employers should remain vigilant about signs of stress and mental health issues among their staff. Providing access to mental health resources, such as Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), and offering training on recognising and addressing stress can help employees feel supported.
At Praxis42 we offer Stress Awareness Training for Employees which supports employees to prevent, recognise and address the signs of stress. We also offer Stress Awareness for Managers so that managers have the knowledge and skills to support their team members.
When should a homeworking risk assessment be completed?
Risk assessments should be conducted:
- When an employee begins working from home.
- Whenever there are significant changes to their working environment or role.
- Regularly, to ensure continued compliance and safety.
Working from home risk assessment checklist
This working from home risk assessment checklist provides key areas to evaluate, covering display screen equipment (DSE) setup, hazard identification, and mental health considerations.
Designed as a practical guide, this checklist can complement a more detailed working from home risk assessment form or serve as a starting point for developing a tailored working from home risk assessment template.
Display screen equipment (DSE)
- Is the workstation ergonomically set up (e.g., adjustable chair, monitor at eye level, keyboard and mouse positioned correctly)?
- Is the desk or table large enough to support all necessary equipment without overcrowding?
- Is there a stable surface for the monitor and other equipment?
- Is the screen free from glare, with adequate lighting and comfortable brightness settings?
- Are the chair height and back support adjustable to ensure good posture?
- Are the employee’s feet flat on the floor or supported by a footrest?
- Is additional equipment (e.g., wrist supports, document holders) provided if necessary?
- Are employees aware of the need to change positions and stretch regularly to prevent strain?
- Are employees provided with guidance on how to set up their workstation correctly?
Hazard identification
- Are there any trip hazards, such as loose cables, rugs, or clutter, in the workspace?
- Is the workspace adequately lit, with access to natural light where possible?
- Is the room temperature comfortable and controllable?
- Are electrical equipment and cables safe, undamaged, and properly organised?
- Are extension leads used safely and not overloaded?
- Is there a first aid kit easily accessible within the home?
- Are emergency exits within the home clear and accessible in case of fire or other emergencies?
- Is the employee aware of fire safety measures in their home, such as working smoke alarms?
- Are sharp objects, heavy equipment, or other potential hazards stored safely away from the workstation?
Mental health
- Are regular check-ins with managers or colleagues scheduled to reduce feelings of isolation?
- Are team-building activities or informal virtual catchups encouraged?
- Is there access to mental health support, such as an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)?
- Are employees provided with resources or training on managing stress while working remotely?
- Is the workload monitored to ensure it is manageable and evenly distributed?
- Are employees encouraged to establish clear boundaries between work and personal life?
- Is there a policy in place to avoid out-of-hours work-related communication unless urgent?
- Are employees encouraged to take regular breaks and maintain a routine that supports their wellbeing?
- Are employees reminded to report any mental health concerns or work-related stress?
Online health and safety training for homeworkers
Conducting a working from home risk assessment is not just a legal requirement but also an essential step in fostering a safe and productive remote work environment.
Our working from home risk assessment checklist above, and suite of training courses can support your organisation to meet legal responsibilities by protecting the health and safety of homeworkers.
We offer:
- Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Training: This course provides employees with the knowledge to set up their workstations correctly, helping to minimise the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and other health issues associated with prolonged screen use.
- Online DSE Assessment Tool: A user-friendly solution that allows employees to self-assess their workstation and physical environment. Managers can review feedback and address any issues efficiently.
- Homeworker Awareness Course: Focused on hazard identification, accident reporting, first aid, and creating a safe and effective homeworking setup, this course is essential for all remote employees.
- Stress Awareness Training for Employees: Provides employees with the tools to recognise, prevent, and address the signs of stress, supporting their mental health and overall wellbeing.
- Stress Awareness Training for Managers: Enables managers to identify and respond to stress-related issues within their teams, fostering a supportive and mentally healthy workplace.
All these courses can be tailored to your organisation and employees. If you would like to find out more contact our friendly team today on 0203 011 4242 or info@praxis42.com.
By addressing physical and mental health risks, your organisation can ensure that employees thrive, no matter where they work.
Adam Clarke
Managing Director (Consulting)
