Title Page
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Department
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Employee's Name
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Position
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Home Address
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Phone Number
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Conducted on
Working from Home Health and Safety Checklist
Work Environment
Designated Work Area
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A designated work/study area has been identified which provides sufficient clear space to enable the employee to have full range of movement required to work without risk of strain or injury.
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There are no trip hazards (e.g. cabling, mats, clutter)
Environmental Conditions
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Lighting is adequate for the tasks being performed (i.e. easy to see and comfortable on the eyes)
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Glare and reflection can be controlled
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Ventilation and room temperature can be controlled, regardless of season (i.e. I feel comfortable with the room temperature and air flow)
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There is no excessive noise affecting the work area
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Non-smoking environment
Emergency Exit
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Path to the exit is reasonably direct
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Path to the exit is sufficiently wide and free of obstructions or trip hazards to allow unimpeded passage
Security
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Security is sufficient to prevent unauthorised entry by intruders
Electrical
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Power outlets are not overloaded with double adapters and power boards
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Earth leakage circuit protection is in place for work related equipment
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Electrical cords are safely stowed
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Connectors, plugs and outlet sockets are in a safe condition
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Electrical equipment is free from any obvious external damage
Workstation Set Up
Work Surface
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The area of the work surface is adequate for the tasks to be performed (i.e. similar work space to that used while the person is at the office)
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A document holder is used if transcribing information from hard copy to computer or if referring to reference material for prolonged periods
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The most frequently used items are within easy reach from the seated position
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There are no sharp contact points on the workstation or other equipment
Chair
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The seat height, seat tilt, angle and back rest are all adjustable
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The chair has a 5-point base to ensure stability (does not slip or roll) on the floor
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There is adequate lumbar support and padding
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The chair height is adjusted so that feet are flat on the floor and knees are bent at right angles with thighs parallel to the floor
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The seat back is adjusted to support the lumbar curve of the lower back
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The seat pan tilt is adjusted so that hips and tops of thighs are at right angles or slightly greater
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Chair arms are not present or are low enough to easily clear the desk
Desk
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The desk is at a suitable height
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There is adequate leg room under the desk, and no clutter
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A footrest is available if needed
Keyboard and Mouse
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Keyboard to user distance allows user to relax shoulders with elbows close to the body
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Keyboard position is flat and in front of the screen
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Mouse is placed directly next to the keyboard, fits hand comfortably and works freely
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Mouse is at same level as the keyboard
Monitor
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Monitor height is adjusted so top of the screen is level with or at slightly lower height than eye level (approx. 400mm above the work surface)
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Monitor is approx. arm’s length from user
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Monitor is positioned to avoid glare, i.e. perpendicular to window or other strong light source
Nature of Tasks
Physical Demands of Tasks
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Safe posture is adopted
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Any lifting, pushing or carrying type task is well within physical capacity (i.e. my work does not involve physically heavy, overly repetitious or demanding tasks)
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The employee’s fitness and health is suitable to the tasks to be undertaken
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Any special needs to ensure health and safety have been advised to the manager and can be accommodated (e.g. are there any pre-existing injuries, illness or disease that could be accelerated, exacerbated, aggravated, re-occur or deteriorate in performing the inherent requirements of the role)
Work Practices
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Wrists are kept straight and not supported on surface while typing
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Sitting posture is upright or slightly reclined, with lower back supported
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The telephone is within easy reach from the seated position
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Long periods of continuous activity are broken by performing other tasks, changing position, standing up and stretching
Emergency procedures, incidents and check-in
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A procedure has been established to periodically confirm with the office workplace that the home worker is safe and well
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Telephone or other communication devices are readily available to allow effective communication in an emergency situation
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Emergency contact numbers and details are known, i.e. 000 for fire, ambulance or police
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Access to first aid supplies is available
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A smoke detector is installed in/near the designated work area and is properly maintained
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Any safety incidents will be reported using the business’ incident reporting system
Remote Access
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A request for a remote access to IT systems has been made and approved by the manager or cloud-based systems are in place to allow remote working
Completion
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Photographs of the home-based work office, including desk layout, power outlets, telephone and lighting
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Additional Comments
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Employee Name & Signature
