As more employees are working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic—many of whom are doing so indefinitely with no firm end point in sight–employers should urge employees to take certain steps to avoid injury and create a productive, safe, and comfortable work environment. Here are some tips for working from home:
- Set up an ergonomic work station.
- Ergonomics is the study of the body and how it interacts with an environment. Ergonomics in the workplace can be summarized in the acronym “N-E-W”
- N = Neutral Posture:
- Use a chair with adequate support and maintain proper posture.
- E = Eye and Elbow Height:
- Ensure that the keyboard and mouse are positioned at elbow level. The top of the monitor should be at or slightly below eye height.
- W = Work Area:
- Keep items that are used often in the primary work zone – the area within reach.
- Keep items that are used less often in the secondary work zone – the area within outstretched arms.
- The keyboard and mouse should be in the primary work zone and centered with the monitor.
- N = Neutral Posture:
- Ergonomics is the study of the body and how it interacts with an environment. Ergonomics in the workplace can be summarized in the acronym “N-E-W”
- Stay Active
- Working from home may result in sitting in a sedentary position for longer, because you are not attending meetings or visiting with co-workers face to face.
- Consider setting an alarm to take stretch breaks throughout the day. This can help prevent overexertion injuries.
- Create a routine with clear separation between home and work tasks.
- Working from home may result in sitting in a sedentary position for longer, because you are not attending meetings or visiting with co-workers face to face.
- Prevent injuries
- When working from home, employees do not have the same workplace safety standards; therefore, they may be at a higher risk of injury.
- Prevent slips by wearing proper footwear and avoid slipper socks.
- Prevent trips by keeping walkways clear and keeping the house well-lit.
- Prevent falls by turning on the lights and using a handrail when going up and down the stairs.
- When working from home, employees do not have the same workplace safety standards; therefore, they may be at a higher risk of injury.
- Be aware of surroundings
- Employees should consider the safety risks of working in the home. If possible, the work area should be in a separate room free from distractions.
- Employees should have a fire extinguisher in an easily accessible area and an exit plan for the household.
- Communicate
- Stay connected with your workforce while working remotely. Working from home may create a sense of isolation and disconnection.
- Conference calls can help bring teams together and individual calls with employees may reveal struggles they are having in the workplace.
- Different communication channels may work better for different employees.
- Stay connected with your workforce while working remotely. Working from home may create a sense of isolation and disconnection.
For more tips on workplace safety while working from home:
- https://previsorinsurance.com/blog/tips-to-avoid-work-related-injuries-while-working-from-home/
- https://www.ehstoday.com/health/article/21127667/ergonomics-recommendations-for-remote-work
If you have questions about the above information, please give Partner Attorney, Stacy Morris a call at 402-397-7300.
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