HEALTH PERIL TO HOME WORKERS

INDIFFERENT bosses are endangering the health of home workers during the lockdown, it is claimed

- Lucy Johnston

Experts are calling for health and safety inspectors to be given new powers to visit workers in their homes because some employers are not taking their obligations seriously.

The demand comes as research showed the three-month lockdown saw a dramatic rise in back and neck pain as well as repetitive strain injuries – linked with poor office set-up.

The law says employers have a duty of care to make sure staff have a safe working environment.

Health and safety inspectors can visit the workplace but are not required to go to private homes.

Public health expert Professor Robert Dingwall, of Nottingham Trent University, said officials needed the power to assess home workers.

He said: “I am calling for an extension of the health and safety at work legislation to cover people working from home.

“Officials need new powers to develop a programme of review and support for these employees. This is currently unregulated.

“Policy makers and employers assume everyone who can will work from home for as long as possible.

“But while some businesses may be good at ensuring their employees can work safely others will not. Many people just don’t have the space and will be working with equipment and in conditions that do not comply with health and safety legislation.