Millions of businesses globally have moved to remote working to enable them to continue operating, to protect their employees and help to slow the spread of Coronavirus.
Computers, smartphones and other technology will be heavily relied on by remote workers for completing tasks; collaborating on work and communicating with the rest of the team. The electronic devices are very powerful during these times but increased use can cause significant damage to employee’s eyes. For a lot of employees, this way of working will be completely new and they will not know that their electronic devices can pose a risk to their health.
Employers have the same health and safety responsibilities for home workers as for any other workers and - as such - should consider how they will keep in touch with their employees; what the employees work activity will be and for how long; whether it can be done safely and if any measures are needed to protect them.
Where possible, employers should allow employees to take home equipment – keyboards, mouse, riser, etc. For other larger items, ergonomic chairs or height- adjustable desks, workers could be encouraged to try other ways of creating a comfortable working environment with for example, supporting cushions.
When employees are working at home on a long-term basis, the risks associated with using display screen equipment [2] must be controlled, which would include undertaking home workstation assessments. However, for those working at home temporarily employers do not need to do this, but they should provide practical advice - such as suggesting that the employee breaks up long spells of computer work with rest breaks of at least 5 minutes every hour; avoids eye fatigue by changing focus and regularly changes position, getting up to do stretching exercises.
Other simple steps to reduce fatigue on the visual system include working at an arm’s length from the screen; adjusting the height and level of the screen so that it is 5-6 inches below the straight line of vision and positioning the screen away from overhead lighting or windows to avoid glare.
Every business is being encouraged to do what they can to support their employees. As a business owner, manager or HR professional, it is important to communicate all these steps and practices effectively so that remote workers are constantly healthy and productive.
The risks are greater for lone workers with no direct supervision or anyone to help them if things go wrong. Keeping in touch with lone workers - including those working from home - will help to ensure that they are healthy and safe.
