Morning All I have a team of Sales Executives that work mainly on the road, but will use laptops in the evenings for undating records and replying to e-mails etc. They may do the odd half a day on the laptop during the month. As an average they will be on line doing contracted duties for the maximum of an hour every evening and maybe a half day a month. Whats the responsibility for buying 'suitable and sufficient' office furniture for this team as I have got them docking stations and chairs, but this morning have a bill for a new office table on my desk. Thanks for your help in advance.

I would agree with Ray if the time spent working each evening is accurate.

We have a number of people who work from home on either an ad hoc or regular basis and most people don't want loads of 'office' equipment in their homes, especially those who may be limited on space already with normal household furniture. The important thing is giving them advice on how to work correctly in the environment that they have and advice on taking regular breaks etc This is what the HSE say on their FAQ's about DSE: "If my employer gives me a laptop to work at home, what else do I need to consider? Answer: Your employer is not obliged to supply you with a workstation but should provide suitable advice on the safe use of the laptop. If your employer supplies you with workstation equipment through local arrangements (i e providing a chair or desk), they are required to ensure that the equipment meets the DSE Regulations, e g the chair or desk is stable and adjustable, and a footrest is provided if required." From what you describe about frequency of use providing a docking station and maybe separate mouse and keyboards would be sufficient, I think providing chairs and desks in this scenario would a step too far as you then have to maintain/manage any equipment issued.

If you expect people to work for you they should be managed properly and that includes the provision of the proper kit [inclusive in my eyes of a proper adjustable screen and not the screen that comes with the laptop unless the work is of very short duration as you described] and irrespective of the DSE regs other law [and common sense] applies and the law should be adhered to as whilst a DSE risk assessment may not be needed other assessments are needed Noting the above; In my view the key is in the wording of the original contract, home working policy and agreed procedures between parties where the exact requirements should be laid out which would include the use of a suitable flat surface and chair at home which is usually found in the average house e.g. Dining chair and dining table as an example. By not having such things clearly defined in the first place brings problems in the second place In this case I would look at the individual situation and go from there

If they are on-line doing contracted duties for an hour every evening I think they would be classed as a DSE user. To quote the Regulations: It will generally be appropriate to classify the person concerned as a user or operator if they: (a) Normally use DSE for continuous or near continuous spells of an hour or more at a time (b) Use DSE in this way more or less daily I would suggest you are providing the basics for the equipment being used however would also advise DSE Risk Assessments for these staff would keep you in line with the Regulations.