TA-01: Working Safely from Home¶

Reference: TA-01 | Issue Date: 14/03/2026 | Review Date: Sep 2026 Applicable Standards: ISO 45001 Cl. 6.1, 8.1 | ISO 9001 Cl. 7.1.4 Related Documents: HPOL04, HPOL20, HPOL21, HFORM11, HREG03

Who Should Read This

All CRGI Solutions staff working from home. This article covers your responsibilities for maintaining a safe and healthy home workspace.

Overview¶

As a fully remote engineering consultancy, your home is your workplace. CRGI Solutions has the same legal duty of care towards you at home as any employer would in a traditional office. Equally, you have a responsibility to take reasonable care of your own health and safety. This article covers the key areas you need to get right.

Display Screen Equipment (DSE)¶

The Display Screen Equipment Regulations 1992 apply to anyone who uses a computer screen as a significant part of their work — which is all of us.

Your Workstation Setup¶

Your workstation should be set up so that you can work comfortably without straining your body. The basics:

Chair — Adjustable height so your feet are flat on the floor. Backrest supporting your lower back. Armrests that allow your shoulders to relax.
Screen — Top of the monitor at or just below eye level. Roughly an arm's length away. No glare or reflections from windows or lighting.
Keyboard and mouse — Forearms roughly horizontal when typing. Wrists not bent upwards. Mouse within easy reach without stretching.
Desk — Enough space to arrange documents and equipment without crowding. Nothing forcing you into an awkward posture.

The 20-20-20 Rule¶

Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This reduces eye strain from prolonged screen work. Set a reminder if it helps — your eyes will thank you.

DSE Self-Assessment¶

You are required to complete a DSE Self-Assessment (HFORM11) annually, or whenever you significantly change your workstation setup. If the assessment identifies issues, speak to Sean Ashton so we can arrange adjustments or equipment.

Regular Breaks¶

Take short breaks away from your screen throughout the day. Stand up, stretch, move around. This is not optional guidance — it's a legal requirement under DSE Regulations and a practical necessity for preventing musculoskeletal problems.

Electrical Safety¶

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 apply to your home office equipment.

What You Need to Do¶

Inspect your equipment regularly — Look for damaged cables, cracked plugs, burn marks, or loose connections. If something looks wrong, stop using it and report it.
One plug per socket — Avoid daisy-chaining extension leads. Use a single, fused extension lead if you need extra sockets, and check it isn't overloaded.
Switch off when not in use — At the end of each day, switch off equipment that doesn't need to run overnight. This reduces fire risk and saves energy.
Keep ventilation clear — Computers, monitors, and power supplies generate heat. Don't block ventilation grilles with papers, books, or other items.
PAT testing — CRGI-provided equipment will be PAT tested in line with the Equipment & Asset Register (HREG11). If you're using your own equipment for work, let us know so we can advise.

Extension Leads and Adapters¶

This is the most common electrical hazard in home offices. Never plug one extension lead into another. Never exceed the rated capacity of an extension lead (typically 13A / 3,000W). If you regularly need more sockets, we can arrange a proper solution.

Fire Safety¶

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 still applies even though you work from home. While CRGI isn't responsible for your domestic fire safety, we do have a duty to ensure your work activities don't create additional fire risks.

Home Office Fire Risks¶

Electrical overload from multiple monitors, workstations, and peripherals
Overheated equipment during intensive CAD or rendering work
Paper accumulation — technical drawings, documentation, notes
Blocked escape routes — keep your workspace tidy and exit paths clear

What You Should Have in Place¶

Working smoke alarm on each floor of your home — test monthly
A planned escape route that you and your household know
Mobile phone charged and accessible for emergency calls
Fire extinguisher or fire blanket near your workspace (recommended, not mandatory)
Knowledge of what to do — see Emergency Response below

If You Discover a Fire¶

Alert — Warn others in your household
Evacuate — Get out, stay out
Call — Dial 999 from a safe location
Don't — Attempt to fight the fire unless it is very small and you are confident

Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Health¶

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most common work-related health problem for desk-based workers. Prevention is straightforward if you follow the basics.

Daily Habits¶

Vary your posture — No single posture is perfect for 8 hours. Alternate between sitting and standing if possible.
Stretch regularly — Neck rolls, shoulder shrugs, wrist stretches, and standing stretches. Little and often is best.
Position your work — If you're reading documents while typing, use a document holder rather than twisting your neck repeatedly.
Watch for warning signs — Persistent aches in your neck, shoulders, wrists, or lower back are early signals. Don't ignore them.

If You Experience Discomfort¶

Report it. Speak to Sean Ashton or raise it at your next one-to-one. We can arrange workstation adjustments, equipment changes, or an occupational health referral. Early intervention prevents minor discomfort becoming a serious problem.

Your Responsibilities¶

As a CRGI staff member working from home, you are expected to:

Complete your annual DSE Self-Assessment (HFORM11)
Maintain a safe and tidy workspace
Report any hazards, equipment damage, or health concerns
Follow the electrical safety guidance above
Take regular breaks from screen work
Cooperate with any workstation assessments or equipment audits

Need Help?¶

If you need equipment, adjustments, or advice about your home workspace, contact Sean Ashton (Operations Manager). Your safety and comfort at work is a priority — don't wait for a problem to become serious before raising it.

CRGI Solutions HSQE Department | HSQEMS v2.0 | Classification: CRGI Information