What health and safety issues should I be considering as a teleworker?

Hazards can arise from electrical equipment and VDUs or from equipment and fittings in the room where the work activity is taking place. These may include the workstation, seating, lighting, heating and ventilation and so on.

Work with VDUs can give rise to back pain or RSI, stress or visual discomfort if adequate precautions are not taken. The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations also apply to teleworking employees. The regulations require employers to assess and reduce risks; ensure workstations meet minimum requirements; plan breaks or changes of activity; provide eye tests on request; and provide health and safety training and information. For more information, see our working with display screens section.

In addition to specific risks from the VDU equipment used for telework, the following should also be considered:

• Avoiding the need for hazardous manual handling.
• Ensuring that all equipment provided is appropriate to job requirements and, where necessary, training provided. Your employer is responsible for the safety of the equipment they supply for teleworking.
• Ensuring that all electrical goods must comply with existing safety regulations. Your employer is responsible for checking compliance. Your domestic electrical system is your own responsibility.
• Reporting all faults which may be a hazard to your own or others’ health. This is your responsibility.
• Ensuring adequate first-aid provisions. Exact provisions depend on the nature of the telework activities, but are the responsibility of your employer.

You have the right to stop work in the event of serious danger arising from the work you are doing, without affecting your employment rights. In the event of this, your employer should be informed as soon as possible.

In the event of an accident or injury, you should report this to your employer, who has a responsibility to record all personal injuries in an accident book.

If you feel that your home workplace is unsafe, and that your employer is not taking action to help you, you have the right (the same as any other worker) to contact the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to enforce safety. You would be expected, in most cases, to approach your employer or trade union first.

Note: See our information on the legal status of teleworking