Home and Hybrid Working
25 October 2024
Home and hybrid working is not unusual anymore and a significant number of employees are working in this way. Remote working is when work activities are undertaken outside of the employers’ normal work premises. This includes working from home and/or working from a remote working hub. In addition, workers might work in a hybrid arrangement, where their time is split between their workplace and home.
Health and Safety Responsibilities of Employers for Home and Hybrid Working
According to the Health and Safety legislation, the responsibility for Health and Safety at work rests with the employer. This is regardless of whether an employee works remotely. Although risks to home workers will be low most of the time they are still present. However, the actions employers should take to protect them are straightforward. To ensure Health and Safety laws and standards are maintained at all times, an employer must conduct a Risk Assessment. Specifically, the Risk Assessment should focus on the following areas:
- Stress and poor mental health.
- Using equipment like computers and laptops safely.
- Their working environment.
To assist employers in Risk Assessing employees’ remote working environment, the HSA has prepared a useful Remote Working Guidance and Checklist.
Health and Safety Responsibilities of Employees for Home and Hybrid Working
Like any worker, in any work environment, remote workers must take care of their own health and safety. In addition, this extends to the safety of others as well and all those who may be harmed by remote workers actions while they are working. Indeed, all employees must fully cooperate with their employers and other workers. For example, employers must follow employers recommendations based on the Risk Assessment, and they must use all equipment correctly. Additionally, some general tips about staying safe at home should be considered:
- Create a healthy morning routine.
- Stay active with regular stretching.
- Make the home office ergonomic and use all DSE/VDU equipment safely.
- Remember to leave the home and socialize with coworkers.
Training Requirements
To help employees adopt safe working practices, the eLearn Safety has developed a number of fully online courses. Some of these courses are:
- Cyber Bullying Awareness
- Cyber Security Awareness
- GDPR Training
- Mindfulness Practice
- VDU/DSE Office
- Workplace Safety – Level 1
- Workplace Stress Awareness
- and many more!
Online Health and Safety Training
Proactive Health and Safety training is critical to ensure a safe workplace. An effective training program can reduce the number of worker injuries and deaths. It can also reduce instances of property damage, legal liability, illnesses, and missed time from work.
Health and Safety training helps establish a culture in which employees themselves help promote proper safety procedures while on the job. It is important that new employees be properly trained and embrace the importance of workplace safety. The role of training in developing and maintaining effective hazard control activities is a proven and successful method of intervention.
This is why we have established eLearn Safety school. We pride ourselves in how we guide, support and mentor our students. They receive support throughout their learning experience and into their working lives. Our staff have extensive training experience and also have many years industry experience. We understand the challenges that exist within Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety. Our priority is to ensure that all learners are fully prepared to differentiate themselves in the workplace after completing our Health and Safety courses.
eLearn Safety offers fully online Health and Safety courses.
To find out more, please check our Courses page.
Alternatively, should you need any additional information, please do not hesitate to let us know via email info@elearn.ie