Home Office Safety Tips for Remote Employees

Although remote employees, also known as teleworkers, may be away from the office, employers can be held liable for hazards caused by equipment they provide and processes they require their employees to follow. Employees working at home, or anywhere else away from the regular work environment, still face the similar hazards that they would in an office, and an employee who suffers an on-the-job injury while working at home may very well be covered under your organization’s workers’ compensation policy. It’s important to care for each employee, regardless of their work location.

Maintaining a work environment at home is the responsibility of the employee. However, your organization can assist teleworkers by developing a home office safety checklist to help identify and correct potential safety hazards. This checklist should include the following areas:

Ergonomics

• The desk and chair are of good quality, are the appropriate height and are strong enough to handle the weight of office equipment.
• The workstation, including the keyboard and monitor, is properly adjusted.
• Lighting is properly arranged so there are no reflections or glare created.

Slips and Falls

• Phone lines and electrical cords are either secured under a desk, alongside a baseboard or routed around walkways and doorways.
• Walking surfaces are clean, dry, level and free of worn or frayed areas.
• Hallways, doorways and exits are free of obstructions and well lit.
• Stairs with four or more steps have a handrail.

Fire

• A fire extinguisher, smoke alarm(s) and carbon monoxide detector are installed.
• Electrical demand is adequate, with no overloading of circuits, and extension cords are not used for permanent wiring.
• Electrical plugs, cords, outlets, switches and panels are in good condition with no exposed or frayed wiring.
• Electrical cords run in non-traffic areas, not under rugs and are not stapled in place.
• Electrical surge protection is provided for computer equipment.
• The workspace is kept free of trash, clutter and flammable liquids.

For complete information on ergonomics, please read the following resources from SafeChurch:

• Computer Workstation Evaluation
• Safe Workstations and Purchasing Checklist

For a full list of resources relating to fire and slips and falls, please visit SafeChurch and click on Facility Safety, located under the Resources tab.

© 2024 GuideOne Insurance. GuideOne® is the registered trademark of the GuideOne Insurance Company. All rights reserved. This material is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to give specific legal or risk management advice, nor are any suggested checklists or action plans intended to include or address all possible risk management exposures or solutions. You are encouraged to retain your own expert consultants and legal advisors in order to develop a risk management plan specific to your own activities.