Safe Work Australia has published an information sheet that offers practical guidance for employers (PCBUs) on managing work health and safety (WHS) risks when employees work from home, specifically focusing on computer-based tasks. The key points covered include:

1. Definition of Working from Home: The sheet explains that working from home involves employees working from their residences alone or with household members, whether occasionally, temporarily, or regularly.
2. PCBUs’ Responsibilities: PCBUs are responsible for ensuring workers’ health and safety while they work from home, just as in traditional workplaces.
3. Workers’ WHS Duties: Employees are expected to prioritize their safety, comply with reasonable WHS instructions, and cooperate with provided policies.
4. Consultation: Effective consultation between PCBUs and workers is essential, particularly in identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing control measures due to workers’ familiarity with their home environment.
5. Managing WHS Risks: A four-step risk management process is highlighted: identifying hazards, assessing risks, implementing controls, and reviewing measures.
6. Common Hazards: Examples of potential hazards are mentioned, including poor workstation setup, inadequate facilities, sedentary work, and psychosocial factors.
7. Control Measures: Various control measures are suggested, such as effective work design, proper workstation setup, providing suitable equipment, communication strategies, supervision, and emergency plans.
8. Review of Controls: Regular review and modification of control measures are emphasized to ensure their continued effectiveness and to prevent new risks.
9. Other Legislative Considerations: The information sheet notes that WHS laws are not standalone; other laws like industrial relations, criminal, anti-discrimination, privacy, and workers’ compensation laws may also apply to work from home situations.

In summary, the information sheet provides comprehensive guidance on how businesses can uphold their responsibility for workers’ health and safety during computer-based work from home. It underscores the significance of communication, risk management, and compliance with relevant laws to create a safe and productive remote working environment.

If you need help with “your working from home” arrangements with your workers than please contact us.