What are an employer’s obligations for working from home?
It’s important to understand that an employer can be held responsible for injuries, physical and mental illnesses, and other incidents that happen to their workers while working from home, just like they would be in the workplace. In accordance with model WHS laws, employers have an obligation to remove health and safety risks to workers and others, if it is practical to do so. If it’s not practical to completely remove risks, the employer must reduce them as much as is practical. To comply with this duty of care, the employer must provide and maintain a work environment that’s free of hazards for workers, as well as sufficient and accessible facilities for them to perform their job.
On top of this, workers must be given the necessary information, instruction, training or supervision to carry out their work without endangering their health or safety. If health and safety issues arise that may impact workers, the employer must consult with the workers and any health and safety representatives they have, and manage the issue in accordance with the organisation’s risk mitigation strategies.
How can an employer’s work from home obligations be met?
Below are a few examples of programs offered by Employ Health, which greatly contribute to meeting work from home obligations and providing a safe work environment:
1. Occupational Health and Safety Assessments
Employ Health can conduct comprehensive occupational health and safety assessments tailored specifically to remote work settings. Our physiotherapists can evaluate employees’ home workspaces, identify potential risks or hazards, and provide recommendations to mitigate them. This proactive approach promotes employee wellbeing, minimises the risk of work-related injuries, and ensures compliance with occupational health and safety regulations.
2. Ergonomic Assessments and Training
To support employees’ physical health while working from home, Employ Health can offer ergonomic evaluations and training programs. Our physiotherapists can assess employees’ workstations, provide personalised recommendations for proper setup, and educate employees on ergonomics best practices. This assistance helps prevent musculoskeletal issues, enhances comfort, and optimises productivity.
3. Wellbeing Programs and Resources
To support employees’ wellbeing and work-life balance, Employ Health offers a range of wellbeing programs and resources. These can include virtual wellness sessions, mental health resources, home stretching and exercise programs. Employ Health’s experts can customise wellbeing initiatives to address the specific needs of remote employees, promoting their overall health and resilience.
