The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has run a free, hour-long webinar to help inform employers on how to effectively manage the risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) in the workplace and protect home workers.
To access Musculoskeletal Disorders: Managing the Risk of Manual Handling and Display Screen Equipment for Workers on Site or Working from Home click here and register for the event, as it has been recorded so those who missed it can watch.
Among the important points raised during the webinar are:
- A significant percentage of all (some 28%) of sickness absences are related to MSDs. MSDs are on downward trend – except for office workers.
- Hybrid working present many challenges, but employers still have the same duty of care, whether staff are office-based, hybrid or totally working from home – the same Regulations apply.
- Research has shown that only 28% of workers have a dedicated home office – with many working from a sofa! Employers still need to do a risk assessment to ensure that staff are comfortable, and equipment is safe.
Businesses are expected to make reasonable provision and an assessment of the work station. This could be done using an online programme so home workers can do a self-assessment. In all cases, workers should be made aware of risk and there should be regular discussions with employees to review home working arrangements. The aim is to ensure a comfortable, sustainable posture both when working at home and in a hybrid set-up.
In all cases, taking breaks is important (although there is no legal requirement) – lots of short breaks and the opportunity to move around or stretch and change posture are important.
Further information:
- Vodafone has a useful video on Youtube about Healthy Use of laptops at home
- HSE Training and Events
- Publications and tools that can help you identify and reduce risk of harm: from TSO (stationery office)
Manual handling: There is additional information on reducing the risk in manual handling on HSE website.