Home working risk assessment
A home working risk assessment should cover the work the employee actually performs, the duration and the suitability of their regular workspace. Display screen set-up, unsuitable furniture, electrical equipment, trips, lone working, workload, isolation, confidentiality and emergency communication all merit consideration. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and Management Regulations duties still apply when staff work at home, alongside DSE requirements. Use a guided self-assessment with discussion and evidence where proportionate, while respecting the worker’s privacy. Agree how defects or equipment needs will be resolved rather than transferring responsibility to the employee. Encourage changes of posture and contact with colleagues, and set a route for reporting discomfort, stress or changed home circumstances before they become injuries or prolonged problems.
- ✓Hazards and controls drawn from HSE guidance
- ✓Scored 5x5 risk matrix
- ✓Editable Word and PDF
In short
A risk assessment identifies what could cause harm in your work, who could be harmed and how, and what you do to control the risk. Every employer must make a suitable and sufficient assessment; with five or more employees the significant findings must be recorded.
What it must include
- ✓The hazards in the activity or workplace
- ✓Who might be harmed and how
- ✓Existing controls and further action needed
- ✓Risk rating (e.g. 5x5 likelihood x severity)
- ✓Who does what by when
- ✓Review date and when to review sooner
You stay the duty holder: review the document for your site before work starts. SitePaper is a drafting tool, not a consultancy.