Electrical Safety When Working From Home | TESTntel [Infographic]

Working from home can be a double-edged sword. While working from home offers numerous benefits, offering flexibility and freedom, it also introduces unique challenges when it comes to health and safety.

‘Working from home can support positive wellbeing but it can also introduce health risks.’— WorkSafe.

In this article, we will explore the essential electrical safety measures for staff who work remotely?or manage a hybrid or remote team and provide practical tips to help prevent accidents and ensure a safe working space.

• Electrics at home: what are the risks?
• What Does the Law Say?
• Working From Home: Electrical Safety Checklist [Infographic]
• Mental Health When Working from Home
• Review of Regulations

Electrics at home: what are the risks?

Picture this. You’re curled up on the couch in your favourite jammies, typing away on your laptop. Or perhaps you’ve got your laptop balancing on the edge of the kitchen table while you pour an OJ and snack on a sandwich. Sounds familiar, right?

But let’s pause for a moment and take a closer look. The power strip beside you is overloaded with plugs, some cables are frayed and tangled on the floor, and that mug of coffee is sitting dangerously close to your electronics, and suddenly, this cozy setup is a recipe for disaster.

What Does the Law Say?

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA), businesses must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of their workers. This also includes workers who work from home.

As a worker, you also have responsibilities under HSWA. For example, you must take reasonable care of your own health and safety, follow reasonable instructions, report hazards and risks, use equipment properly, and cooperate with your employer to ensure that health and safety measures are implemented and followed.

Working From Home: Electrical Safety Checklist

Working from home means that employees are using their personal electrical setups, which may not be as safe or regulated as those in a professional office environment.

Common electrical hazards include:

• Overloaded Power Sockets: Plugging too many devices into an outlet can cause overheating and increase the risk of fire.

• Damaged Cables: Frayed or damaged electrical cords can expose live wires.
• Improper Use of Extension Cords: Extension cords should only be used as a temporary solution and should not be overloaded.
• Lack of RCD Protection: Residual Current Devices (RCDs) can prevent electric shock by cutting off the power supply in case of a fault.
• Inadequate Ventilation for Devices: Devices that generate heat, like heaters, hair dryers and irons, need proper ventilation to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards.
• Water and Electricity: Keeping electrical devices too close to liquids.

• Unprotected Electrical Outlets: Exposed or unprotected outlets can pose a risk, especially in households with children or pets.

• DIY Electrical Repairs: Attempting to fix electrical issues without proper knowledge can lead to incorrect wiring and increased risk of fire or shock.

Electrical Safety Tips for Home Workers

Employees should regularly inspect their electrical equipment for wear and tear, use RCDs for protection, avoid overloading sockets, use extension cords only temporarily, keep workspaces dry, receive training on electrical safety, and have their home electrical systems checked by a qualified electrician. Contact us today to book a test and tag for your remote staff!

Search on WorkSafe to see how to set up a safe and comfortable home workstation.

Related article: The Significance of Electrical Testing and Tagging for Business Safety

Mental Health When Working from Home

While we often focus on the physical health and safety aspects of working from home, it’s crucial to also consider mental health. Remote work can blur the lines between personal and professional life, leading to increased stress and burnout.

‘Risks to your mental health can arise from: a poor work environment, a lack of social connections, poor work design.’— WorkSafe.

It’s important to establish boundaries, take regular breaks, and setup a healthy work environment that supports both your physical and mental well-being. Remember, a healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body in maintaining overall safety and productivity.

For more information on worker’s rights and obligations, see our guidance: Your health and safety rights and responsibilities.

Review of Regulations

• WorkSafe New Zealand
• Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
• Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010
• Electrical Workers Registration Board
• Your health and safety rights and responsibilities
• Setting up a healthy workstation when working from home
• Staying mentally healthy when working from home
• Dos and don’ts to avoid electric shocks at home
• Electrical Safety When Working From Home