Setting up a Remote Workstation
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The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we do business. Many experts believe that some of those changes may become permanent – especially remote work.
When it comes to remote work, many of the same safety principles that apply in the workplace apply at home, including ergonomic safety. General DutyEmployers have what’s known as General Duty. That is, they must take every reasonable precaution to protect the safety of their workforce. The General Duty clause, also known as Section 25(2)(h) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, covers workers who are working remotely.
Check out Section 25 and 26 of the Act for a complete list of employer roles and responsibilities. |
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Ergonomic Safety at Home
Employers have a responsibility to ensure that remote workers are safe from potential ergonomic hazards. There are a few different ways to manage this.
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Check out the Workstation
Pre-COVID-19 times, you could ask your employees to meet in their home, to inspect their remote set-up. From there, you could make recommendations for ergonomic safety, determine if any equipment needs to be purchased, and help your remote employee set up their workstation so that it’s effective and ergonomically correct. However, while we’re physically distancing, you may want to ask remote workers to see their set-up virtually, through an online meeting. Provide the Right Equipment for the Job Help your remote workers work safely by purchasing the right equipment for the job. Employees sitting on barstools or couches require a desk and a proper computer chair. Some employees may require monitors, risers, footstools, special mousepads, etc. If your employee needs equipment to make them more comfortable, provide it. Employees will be safer and more productive at home if they have the tools they need to do the job. |
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Provide Training
In the wake of COVID-19, many health and safety training providers are increasing the number of titles in their online catalogues in order to meet the unique training needs of clients. That means that employees can participate in ergonomic safety training from the safety of their own homes. Training will help ensure that employees understand the basics of:
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Keep the Lines of Communication Open
Be sure that you invite your employees who are working remotely to communicate frequently about how it’s going. This may not always mean chatting about ergonomics, but ergonomics shouldn’t be neglected. When you’re checking in, be sure to ask if they’re comfortable, if all of their technology is working as expected, and if they need anything. When employees know that the line of communication is open, they’ll be more likely to approach the employer about an ergonomic concern before it becomes an injury. |
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Provide a Visual Reminder
A great way to ensure that remote workers remain aware of ergonomic health is to provide a handy visual reminder. Consider providing remote workers with a poster that includes information such as:
To make it easy, MidSouthWest is giving you a FREE Office Ergonomics poster! Employees can easily print and post this visual reminder in their remote workplaces. |
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Trust MidSouthWest Training and Consulting
MidSouthWest Training and Consulting offers ergonomic safety training, including an Ergonomic Assessment Train-the-Trainer course. We also offer an online Ergonomic Safety course, so that workers can continue complete training while working remotely. To learn more, contact us online or call 289.309.1143. Visit us 24/7 on the web at midsouthwest.ca.
Last updated September 24, 2020
