Health and safety

What risk assessments will I have to do if I am working remotely?

You will need to complete a DSE assessment for your workstation at home. Please visit the Occupational Health website. Select the link to Cardinus then select the option Healthy Working to complete the training package on healthy home working. On completion of the training you will be directed to complete a DSE self-assessment. Your department DSE Assessor who will then pick up any issues that you cannot resolve.

I am feeling unwell, can I work from home under Dynamic Working instead of taking sick leave? 

Colleagues who are ill should take sick leave in the normal way. Exceptionally, a manager may agree at short notice to remote working where a colleague is well enough to work but it would be otherwise not possible for a colleague to attend work.

If I can’t create a suitable home office set up, will I be refused Dynamic Working?

You will need to conduct a Display Screen Equipment assessment for both your campus and home workstation (see question 30).  It is important that the place where you work is fit for purpose.  The equipment needed will depend on the type, duration and intensity of the work that you do.  In most cases simple adjustments, or the provision of a separate keyboard, mouse and riser is all that is needed.  If for any reason you are unable to set up a safe workstation in your home, you may be required to work on campus for your own wellbeing. For information about getting help with the cost of setting up a home workstation see question 6.

Who is responsible for the Health and Safety of home offices, particularly with regards to slips and falls as well as DSE? 

The University is responsible for ensuring that you have a safe workstation for work on display screen equipment, if that is a significant part of your role.  However, the University does not have control over the way you manage your home and home office and therefore you are responsible for the general health and safety of your own workplace.