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Health and Safety Directorate

Working Safely at Home

This guidance aims to support you to work safely and effectively, whilst home working, and in line with the QMUL Hybrid Working Policy and Procedure.

You should take reasonable care of your own health and safety, as well as that of others, such as family members, neighbours, and visitors.

DSE

This is covered in section 10 of the University Hybrid Working Policy. You should organise your workstation:

  • In a way that avoids any awkward actions (e.g., lifting, reaching, twisting, or bending).
  • To ensure that the lighting is adequate for the task to be undertaken.
  • To achieve the standard outlined in the QMUL DSE risk assessment you will have completed.
  • Using as HSE guidance outlined below to make simple changes if required.

Any concerns should be discussed with your manager to provide support in resolving any issues. 

Well-being

Section 9 of the hybrid working policy discusses well-being and the levels of support available to staff who are hybrid working.  It is important to stay in touch with your manager and team whilst hybrid working.

Work environment

You must take reasonable steps to make sure you have a safe place to work when at home.

  • Electrical equipment: Visually check for any damage to sockets, plugs or leads used in connection with your work. Avoid overloading electrical sockets and/or having trailing cables/wires. If there are any concerns with any electrical equipment provided by the University (e.g., laptop transformer or cable) it should be taken out of use and returned to Campus ITS for replacement.  Your home electrical equipment should be tested and maintained as directed by the supplier.
  • Work equipment: Ensure that equipment is set up properly and used in accordance with the supplier's instructions.
  • Slips and trips: You should minimise the risks of slips and trips by keeping your work area clear of obstructions, spillages, and trailing wires.
  • Emergencies: If an emergency occurs at home whilst you are working, you should advise your line manager.  
  • Lone working: Be aware of the risks associated with working alone and take appropriate steps to control them. These include:
    • Manage your working time effectively and take appropriate breaks.
    • Keep in touch with your supervisor/manager and discuss any problems that arise.
    • Report to your supervisor/manager any periods of sickness and any work-related health issues e.g., pregnancy, accident/injury, disability, work-related stress.
  • Reporting accidents for home workers: Not every incident in a person's home will be reportable. An incident may be reportable if it occurred because of:
    • the work activity being done.
    • the equipment you have provided to carry out that work.

Please report using via MySafety.   

Further information

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