Employer Responsibilities

Responsibility for health and safety at work rests with the employer whether or not that work is being done at the employee’s home.

Employers need to consult with their employees to assure themselves that:

• the employee is aware of any specific risks regarding working from home

• the work activity and the workspace are suitable

• they provide suitable equipment to enable the work to be done

• there is a pre-arranged means of contact

Key duties that apply to the work activity and workspace include:

• managing and conducting all work activities to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare of employees

• providing safe systems of work that are planned, organised and maintained

• assessing risks and implementing appropriate control measures

Employers must identify what equipment/resources employees need to work from home and to agree these with the employee. Such equipment may include:

• work desk and adjustable chair

• IT equipment, e.g. monitor, keyboard mouse & printer

• a headset if dealing with frequent phone calls

• work phone

• adequate stationery

Source: Guidance on Working from Home for Employers & Employees, Health & Safety Authority of Ireland