Hello, My organisation is looking to introduce a homeworking policy (mainly due to expansion, not enough car parking spaces and our Green Travel Plan). My colleague from HR showed me (what I believe to be) an old publication of INDG226 from 2006, but said they got it off the ‘web’ and then asked me what we need to do to comply. I have looked on the HSE web site and think it has been superseded with this http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg226.pdf ? My initial response (and with the Red Tape Challenge in mind) was the burden has been reduced in terms of H&S management for homeworking. I seem to recall reading or hearing something last year that low risk office-type environments would potentially not require a risk assessment as they are classed as low risk. I would, however, advise we need to document our decision on stating that homeworking (office type work) is low risk and therefore not a significant risk and that it is not reasonably practicable to attempt a general risk assessments (not DSE assessments) of all employees homes? However, with DSE, most homeworkers will be classed as 'users' and therefor a DSE would apply. Would it? We then get into the issue of providing suitable DSE equipment etc.......I think this is simply unreasonable and does not fall under the 5 steps to risk assessment HSE publication. But I would really appreciate any thoughts and comments on how you and your organisation has tackled homeworking. In summary I am proposing that we: Prepare a policy that includes: • General guidance to employees - including comments around posture, breaks, working at a table and use a comfortable chair. • Reasons for homeworking and the mutual benefits. • Ensure that electronic devices are PA tested and that any damaged cables are replaced immediately • State that equipment other than a phone, laptop/netbook will not be provided for homeworkers • HR information – about working hours, expectations of work quality etc etc (or whatever HR wish to include) • Support and contact through their line manager What are your thoughts?

I think one of the factors that you need to keep in mind is the level of control that you have over a homeworker. You might do a full DSE assessment, even provide them with the appropriate desk and chair. Then... its a nice sunny day so they elect to take the laptop into the garden and work from the garden chair and table. You won't even know about that. With a desktop PC it is slight different, of course, as this is less portable, but even then you will have little or no control over whether they set their chair at the right height, or even move the desk and chair to a different room in the house! Unless you visit regularly will you ever know? So I think that the best one can do is to ensure that at the outset the equipment is checked to ensure it is in good condition and provide some education about the way in which they should keep this set up so as to avoid problems. Chris

We have looked at this and at the moment we have people who can work from home if they wish, their role allows and business needs are met but they are not a traditional home worker - i.e. they still have an office base. For this the person agrees that they have suitable provision to arrange their equipment ergonomically, can sit in a suitable location and complete a specific online DSE assessment for their home as well as work place. One main concern regarding full time home working for us is data protection as well as making sure that the place is safe with PAT testing and equipment. We will not provide equipment in general for staff (except to ensure equality requirements are met) unless the manager is happy to fund out of their local budget but this will be challenged. We have reduced desk space dramatically by adopting flexible working and encouraging people to use other locations, home being one of these on a once a week basis (as a rule of thumb) and this is being seen in a very positive light and effective in managing a reduced space.