Mobile, home and remote working risk assessment

Changes in technology and ways of working have resulted in a larger proportion of the population working away from traditional workplaces.  In 2014 there were 4.2 million home workers and there are an estimated 1 million people in the UK who spend the majority of their work time away from a home or office base, either on the road or with clients.  Some examples of these occupations include sales people, engineers and installers.  Furthermore, employers are now open to having workers ‘work at home’ where the individual has a workstation at home and the responsibilities of the employer still remain to ensure work equipment is adequate.

To ensure that your workforce has access to equipment and technology that is fit for use, you are legally compliant or build the tools to quickly identify problems that prevent longer-term health and wellbeing issues our ergonomists can help with;

• Home workplace assessments
• Vehicle ergonomics and choice of vehicles
• Musculoskeletal assessment
• Assessment of mental wellbeing
• Fatigue
• Lone working
• Journey planning and local knowledge

Our research has identified a number of key issues for remote and mobile workers including high levels of psychological distress and musculoskeletal symptoms. A number of factors were found to mediate these factors, including long hours, high driving mileage, and limited contact with managers and co-workers. 

The IOM has prepared guidance with the British Occupational Health Research Foundation (BOHRF) based on research work we have undertaken.  This work took a three-pronged approach, including a systematic review, field interviews and a questionnaire survey.  The final research report is available here.

IOM has also carried out workstation assessments for individuals working at home or in mobile workstations.  We aim to take an evidence-based and compliance based approach to this work to ensure workplaces are designed to fit humans and their task requirements.

If you have an enquiry about our ergonomics and human factors services please send us an email at [email protected]