Between the pastel de nata and americanos (mine with milk please) it’s been an absolute pleasure to meet so many people, so happy in their employment, just through being given the opportunity to balance both work and home life in a way that suits them, and of course, the business.

The employees and businesses we have been working with have been demonstrating some serious commitment to making sure arrangements are suitable, risk is assessed (through us – shameless plugging I know) and ensuring they have appropriate systems in place to continue delivering these standards consistently.

Now, I understand this way of working will not be for all, but for the businesses we’ve acted for, it really is proving beneficial. Remote working can bring a whole host of benefits, starting with a greater feeling of flexibility, less commuting, a greater sense of trust and of course a reduction in overheads. As with anything, where there is a positive, there will be a negative. Some of the negatives can be why individuals would choose not to follow this path – after all working from home may not lend to a business model or to a person. Especially if you don’t like the idea of being away from the social aspect a workplace can offer, the need to self-motivate or the inability to physically separate work and home life. Some businesses also tend to just steer clear of it, if they aren’t comfortable in managing and delivering scopes remotely. Like we said, there is a lot of trust involved. I for one am a massive fan but can appreciate it has to be in the right circumstances.

Since discussing our recent trips – as you do – we’ve had people and businesses hang fire and in a moment of business orientated, self realisation, make a scribble on their to do list. As they also need to consider the implications and risks of home or remote working, as they themselves do it, or have those working for them that do.

So whats our point? Its an important area to control for businesses, even if not considered high risk, its one that shouldnt be forgotten. For those wishing to go it alone, we recommend using a checklist type approach. Covering key topics such as:

• Work environment

• Use of any hazardous substances

• Work Equipment /DSE Arrangements

• Lone Working

• Business Travel and,

• Isolated working / wellbeing

It’s also very handy to use pictures to capture the working environment. Again, by using technology (pictures or even videos) you can remotely review the arrangements and visit only where concerns arise.

Once satisfied that you have identified all key areas ensure you have adequate means to address any hazards, and where you don’t, introduce controls to do so. Simples. Home working can be a little bit of a learning curve. We’ve been to and reviewed an array of set ups. Some businesses get it right from the off, working with the individuals to match provisions to that of the office environment, others tweak it and others just simply haven’t done anything (which isnt where they need to be). BUT that is the purpose of these reviews, don’t be put off if you realise your arrangements aren’t hitting the mark or are a bit inconsistent. These reviews will allow you to see what needs to change and plan effectively.

Working from home is ‘normally’ relatively low risk administrative work. Therefore, it’s important to proactively manage the areas this type of work can affect (such as display screen equipment, wellbeing and general working environment) sensibly – being mindful not to overstep the boundaries, after all this is someone’s home as well as a place to work.

If, however you have individuals working on more hazardous activities such as using substances hazardous to health, using machinery or soldering etc. then more specific controls will be required to safeguard them. Again, you’ll be able to identify this through your assessment.

Hopefully you find this quick overview handy, however should you or your business need more assistance in managing the risk to remote or homeworkers, please feel free to get in touch on either 01223 265622 or 01502 446488. Even if its just to bounce some ideas off us...we always make time.

*Alternatively, the Health & Safety Executive and IOSH have lots of helpful information available through their websites!*