Telework from home: Keeping employees safe

A person using a computer at home looking outside a window.In a recent survey among human resources professionals, approximately two-thirds said their organization will offer employees a permanent telework from home hybrid work arrangement—working partially at home and in the office [HRPA, 2021]. Although telework from home may seem lower risk than other operational tasks, employers must ensure teleworkers are included in workplace health and safety risk assessments, and that policies and measures are put in place to avoid incidents that could cause injury or illness. 

Why telework from home safety

Regardless of where it takes place, an injury can impact a company’s WSIB premiums, reduce a worker’s ability to perform optimally, and result in negative publicity, such as the case of an Air Canada employee who fell down a set of stairs in her home. More recently, the Occupational Health and Safety Act in Ontario was amended to specifically apply to teleworkers. This has made it more important than ever for workplaces to have measures and procedures in place to ensure the health and safety of teleworkers at home.

1. Establish a telework from home policy and ensure responsibilities are understood.

All workplace parties should understand the company’s commitment to keeping employees safe while working from home. A policy should be developed by the company, distributed, understood, and acknowledged by all workplace parties. The policy should:

  • outline responsibilities, such as those of the employer, supervisor and employee.

 

Computer Work

Musculoskeletal disorders can include injury to the neck, wrists, and low back. Poor postures, prolonged sitting, repetitive tasks, and contact pressures are some of the risks that can lead to injury

Poor Housekeeping

Slips and falls can occur when employees trip over boxes, open drawers, or cables. Stairs, slippery surfaces and icy conditions can cause slips and falls too

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Electricity

Shock or fire from equipment that is not grounded, overloaded outlets, damaged cable insulation, or use of electrical equipment near wet areas

Fuel-burning appliances

Appliances such as furnaces, water heaters, gas-powered stoves, vehicles indoors, and more can release carbon monoxide which can lead to fatal asphyxiation.

 

These appliances also produce heat, sparks and/or flames, elevating the risk of a fire.

Poor lighting

Eyestrain from dim lighting or computer glare. Poor lighting can make it difficult to see items on the floor or uneven surfaces, elevating the risk of a slip, trip and fall.

Working Alone

Personal safety and security.

2. How will hazards in a home office be identified?

Home office employees may face a variety of common hazards and risks that can cause injury, illnesses, and incidents. An inspection form can help uncover some of the common home office hazards. Some of the most common types of home office hazards are listed below.

For companies pursuing certification of their occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS) using ISO 45001 or COR®, it is important to ensure your organization’s risk assessment includes teleworkers at home. 

 

3. How will your company implement measures and procedures to reduce risk?

Will your company create an online home office inspection form?

  • How often will the inspection be required?
  • 4. Provide training and instruction for telework from home.

    Employees should understand the hazards they may face while working from home and the measures that need to be taken to reduce risk. Instruction and training should be documented and may consider some of the following elements.

    • Work-from-home policy: Employees must understand the company’s work-from-home policy and responsibilities for reducing the risk of injury or illness.
    • Hazards: Ensure employees understand the hazards they may face and how your company will support the prevention of injuries, illnesses, and incidents. For example
      1. Do employees know that prolonged computer use can cause injury?
      2. Are they aware using a laptop at their kitchen table for long periods and not a desk can be hazardous?
      3. Do employees know that cluttered work areas and numerous extension cords can cause a trip and fall?
      4. What may happen if carbon monoxide detectors are not functioning properly and a water heater in their home malfunctions?
    • Equipment and procedures: Home office employees should also be trained to use equipment provided to them. For example,
      1. Do employees know how to properly adjust their desk, chair, monitor, and keyboard tray?
      2. Are employees instructed to inspect their work area each day and organize clutter that may cause a trip and fall?
      3. Are employees reminded when it is time to test life-saving equipment such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, change batteries, or replace units?

    More employees work from home than ever before. Companies should consider the hazards and risks employees may face from working in a home office, and implement some additional strategies that can reduce the risk of injuries, illnesses and incidents.

     

    WorkBright™ specializes in helping businesses address hazards associated with working from home. Call us to learn more about how we can help you.

    Resources

    Human Resources Professional Association. (2021). HR trends survey 2021.

    2024 Health and Safety Changes in Ontario: What You Need to Know – WorkBright