Working from Home Occupational Health and Safety Obligations

In the new COVID19 world challenges are presenting themselves that were previously not considered. Because the workforce now predominantly works from home, the regime of workplace health and safety which was in operation covering employees in relation to work needs to be revisited to bring to front of mind the importance of workplace health and safety even when working from home. And I also advise that there’s a considerable value in projecting a more professional image. With a https://virtually-there.net/virtual-offices/ virtual office, your small business or freelance operation can have the prestige of a city address without needing to rent physical office space. It could also remove any concerns clients might have about your home-based business looking less serious or professional than they’d prefer.

The principles of workplace health and safety law are the same whether you are working in an office or from home. The basic obligations of directors of companies and employers are found in the relevant legislation which is the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and the Corporations Act 2001. Broadly, Directors are responsible for ensuring that the business which they direct operates in a way such that a safe and healthy work environment is maintained. This involves building a safety culture in the workplace and health is considered to include both physical and psychological health, which also supported by the sites like https://healthsafetycompany.co.uk/near-me/kent/.

Part of the obligation to provide a safe and healthy work environment also extends to the obligation to ensure that employees and all workers interacting with the business are not exposed to discrimination on the basis of their gender, sexuality, religion, or race. Employees have the right to refuse to perform unsafe work and also have the right to be provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at work where it is necessary to safely perform their duties. Employers must also ensure that workers are appropriately trained to work on the jobs that they are performing and provide training where necessary. Employers should also take note of Workers Compensation Management and invest in workers comp insurance. In case an accident occurs in your workplace, you have the right to hire a workers comp attorney and file a claim or a lawsuit. 

We offer workplace training services and advice which are tailored to the new COVD19 environment. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you wish to make an inquiry.

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