Telework Safety
Telework, also known as telecommuting, is a recent workplace phenomenon--allowing employees to carry out their work in an alternate workplace location, most often at home. The burden of safety in the workplace falls on the employer, but with telework, safety often becomes the teleworker's responsibility.
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Ergonomics
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Teleworkers should ensure their equipment and work setup meet common ergonomic standards, reducing the risk of injury. Your keyboard should sit at the right height and with enough space in front of it for wrist support. Your chair should have a backrest. The computer should be placed in a location that receives adequate light and does not create glare. Many employers provide ergonomic and environmental safety information and checklists to teleworkers, allowing them to evaluate and improve their working conditions.
Environmental Safety
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A teleworker's environment should meet basic safety standards. As an example, the site should be equipped with a smoke detector, fire extinguisher and first aid supplies. It should have proper ventilation and be without noise hazards. Cords and wires should be safely secured.
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Contact and Response
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Teleworkers and their employers should have regular contact to facilitate work, but other means of contact should be established in case of emergency. For example, the employer should have the phone number and physical address of the telework site and teleworker's home, and an alternate contact person in case of emergency. Some employers reserve the right to inspect your work site to ensure it meets safety standards.
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References
- Photo Credit coffee cup image by andrew chambers from Fotolia.com
