Home working Hazard Checklist
Slips, Trips and Falls Hazards
Are there any obstructions on the floor that could cause a slip trip or fall from:
Office supplies, such as books, stationery, toner cartridges, etc?
Electrical equipment, such as printers, kettles, fan heaters, etc?
Trailing leads supplying computers, printers fax machines, etc?
Loose or worn carpets or mats?
Uneven floors?
Falling Object Hazards
Are there any objects that could fall on people such as:
Goods or stores on shelves and racking?
Unstable freestanding stacks of goods or materials?
Loose electrical or mechanical equipment: lighting, pipework, ventilation equipment, etc?
Electrical Hazards
Is there any risk of persons receiving an electrical shock from:
Loose or broken: sockets, switches, light fittings, conduits and trunking, etc?
Worn, frayed or split cables?
Trailing leads?
Overloaded extension leads or multi-socket adaptors?
Exposed cables into plugs, computer equipment, kettles, fan heaters, microwaves, food and drinks dispensers, etc?
Exposed live parts of electrical switchgear: controls, motors, pumps, etc?
Is any item of portable electrical equipment overdue for a portable appliance test (PAT)?
Is any item of electrical equipment poorly or dangerously positioned?
Substance-related Hazards
Are there any substances used that could cause harm from contact or inhalation, such as:
Cleaning chemicals?
Solvents in inks, dyes, adhesives, etc?
Dusts from powdered goods or supplies?
Smoke or exhaust fumes?
Asbestos in fire retardant panelling, ceiling tiles or pipe lagging?
Has any staff member complained of any persistent or increasing allergic reactions: running nose or eyes, coughing, sneezing, itching skin, etc?
Fire Hazards
Are flammable materials stored or used in a manner that could cause a fire, such as:
Any flammable substances on or near sources of heat or direct sunlight?
Any flammable substances that are not correctly stored in flameproof cupboards (solvents, adhesives, etc.)?
Any potential for a flammable substance to be spilled onto sources of heat or electrical equipment?
Waste paper in left waste bins overnight?
Covered convector heaters?
Display Screen Equipment
Does display screen equipment require assessment for:
Poorly positioned monitors?
Lighting creating glare on screens?
Poor seating position?
Manual Handling and Workstation Hazards
Do working positions pose a hazard that could cause muscular strains, such as:
Poor lifting positions?
Bad posture over desks or benches?
Repetitive twisting or turning?
Does any office furniture show signs of damage or imminent collapse (desks, chairs, benches, shelving, etc)?
Hygiene Hazards
Do sanitary provisions require improving to reduce the risk of infection or contamination, such as:
Improved hand washing and drying facilities?
The use of rubber or cotton gloves for assembly work?
Accidents and First Aid
Is a first aid box required?
Are there any specific requirements for accident treatment?
Do accident records need reviewing?
Security Hazards
Do regular telephone checks need to be made to ensure the homeworkers’ safety?
Are valuable equipment or goods stored at the homeworkers’ premises?
Are homeworkers at an above-average risk from personal attack due to their work?
Any identified hazard should be evaluated using a risk assessment, create one online in minutes