Hi,

A radiation protection advisor has suggested to me that all employees who work from home (whether part or full time) should consult the Radon map to determine if they are in a radon affected area (determined initially by post code)

Consequently, if their location is shown to be within a radon affected area, then arrangements would need to be made to send radon detectors to their home so we can measure the levels, and determine the risks to their health. Following that, we can then introduce additional controls (not sure what that would involve yet!)

I'll be honest, I'm very much dismissive of this as this is where people live and, quite frankly, can't see what we could do that is reasonably practicable to protect them anyway. 

Has anyone had any similar experience of this or knows of any cases that have seen an employer found guilty in court?

Originally Posted by: A Kurdziel

I think what the RPA was saying that employers might encourage home based workers to check with the national radon map to see if their home is located in a high radon area. As people have cut down on smoking radon has become a leading cause of lung cancer. It is not a work related issue (unless you work in some sort of mine for example)  and if you are in a radon area you can obtain a grant that will enable you to  fit a small fans (fans)   reduce the build up of radon in your home. The employer does not need to do anything . it’s just a nice to have,  like reminding people that smoking is bloody stupid or sitting at your desk all day will make fat and unhealthy: in other words a wellbeing nudge.

Thank you. The first part re encouraging employees to check the national map is absolutely correct and that is where the RPA wants us to start. Its the part after that where the RPA has advised we should arrange for radon detectors to be sent to the employees house. Furthermore, whilst unlikely, it may be that some locations would then be subject to remedial works that may cost money.... Unclear where the responsibility would lie for this and feels like a can of worms i wouldn't want opened tbh

If you go down this route then why shouldn't the employer also be providing Carbon Monoxide / Smoke detectors, Fire Alarms, Thermometers on hot water systems, asbestos management surveys, wriring inspections......

The pandemic through home working has created a nebulous quandry that was simple to differentiate before - at work the employer pays, at home the employee pays - everyone who wants to keep being paid back in the office.

Originally Posted by: Roundtuit

If you go down this route then why shouldn't the employer also be providing Carbon Monoxide / Smoke detectors, Fire Alarms, Thermometers on hot water systems, asbestos management surveys, wriring inspections......

The pandemic through home working has created a nebulous quandry that was simple to differentiate before - at work the employer pays, at home the employee pays - everyone who wants to keep being paid back in the office.

I would like to see the annual Fire Drill report which highlights that cat was a bit slow to respond ;) Radon? Really? This all has the whiff of being a bit excessive ........ hasnt it? Surely any H&S control measures or systems adopted or suggested to an employee that is WFH should be as a result of a hazard or raised risk that has been introduced by home working and not necessarily something that has always been there So a decent chair and DSE matters, fire safety - such as advice on not using laptops on soft surfaces which may restrict the vents, and OH stuff like ventilation and lighting?