Under the work health and safety (WHS) laws, a person conducting a business or undertaking, has a duty of care to provide a safe and healthy place of work for all employees and any person who contributes something towards the work being done.
These duties, rights and responsibilities apply to people who work from home, whether they be partners in a partnership, sole traders or self employed.
It is important to understand these principals and know your responsibilities when working from a home-based office. Use the following checklist to assess your home office to minimise the risk of illness or injury – and to create a work environment conducive to wellness, productivity and job satisfaction.
HOME OFFICE CHECKLIST
1. Workspace/desk
Is the workspace/desk size adequate for the tasks to be performed?
□ Yes □ No
Is there adequate leg space to allow free leg movement under the workstation/desk?
□ Yes □ No
Is the work surface a single continuous surface?
□ Yes □ No
Is a footrest available?
□ Yes □ No
2. Chair
Do you have an adjustable chair?
□ Yes □ No
Does your chair have a 5 star base?
□ Yes □ No
Is there adequate lumbar support?
□ Yes □ No
Is the padding adequate?
□ Yes □ No
3. Computer, Screen, Keyboard, Mouse
Is the screen approximately arms length from the user?
□ Yes □ No
Is the screen height approximately 400mm above the work surface?
□ Yes □ No
Are characters sharp (no fuzzy edges) standing out against background?
□ Yes □ No
Can the screen be adjusted (tilted up and down)?
□ Yes □ No
Is a full size keyboard being used?
□ Yes □ No
Is there adequate space to use the keyboard in front of the screen?
□ Yes □ No
Is a mouse being used?
□ Yes □ No
Is the mouse being used on a mouse pad?
□ Yes □ No
Is a headset required?
□ Yes □ No
4. Environment
Is there adequate lighting for the tasks being performed?
□ Yes □ No
Can glare be controlled by window coverings?
□ Yes □ No
Is the room temperature comfortable – heating and cooling as required?
□ Yes □ No
5. Other considerations
Is the floor space free from tripping hazards?
□ Yes □ No
Is electrical equipment protected by a circuit breaker?
□ Yes □ No
Are there adequate power outlets to run computer and other equipment?
□ Yes □ No
Have you notified your insurance company of the home-based work arrangement?
□ Yes □ No
Is there a functioning smoke detector in the house?
□ Yes □ No
Mobile devices (tablet computers, smartphones, PDAs) have enabled unprecedented levels of flexibility, mobility and productivity for home based workers.
However, it is important to be mindful of the amount of time spent on these devices and to have appropriate WHS arrangements in place to support their use. One simple option to consider is purchasing a remote full sized keyboard and mouse to use when working at the home base. A small investment when compared to the potential health and productivity costs associated with neck, back and wrist problems.
For more information and an overview of the WHS Act, go to Guide to the model work health and safety Act.
