Are Employers Required To Provide Ergonomic Equipment For Remote Employees?

​The workplace of the 2020s is changing. Employers' obligations are changing along with them. Business owners will be acutely aware of their legal duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees. However, these duties do not end outside the four walls of the company office. They extend to remote and hybrid workers too, and this can muddy the waters of responsibility.

If you're unclear about where your obligations begin and end, you're not alone. Many employers find remote work responsibilities complex. Here's what you need to know about providing ergonomic equipment to employees who work off-site.

Understanding Your Legal Obligations

Yes and no. The law doesn't explicitly require employers to provide ergonomic chairs or equipment in all cases. Rather, the emphasis is on the employer's responsibility to identify and mitigate risks that could cause harm or discomfort to employees.

This includes home office setups that risk causing musculoskeletal issues, which could become health and safety hazards. If a remote workstation assessment finds seating or desk setups to be inadequate, employers have a responsibility to take action. This may include providing ergonomic home office equipment and making adaptations based on each employee's remote setup and individual needs.

The approach is risk-based rather than prescriptive, giving employers flexibility in how they meet their duty of care.

The Importance Of DSE Assessments

Whether working at home or in the office, employees have a right to a safe and comfortable workspace. Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines state that employers must conduct Display Screen Equipment (DSE) assessments for anyone who regularly uses screens as part of their work.

These assessments apply to both on-site and remote workers, identifying risks related to posture, screen use and repetitive movements like typing. They can be carried out through online self-assessment forms, or a third party can conduct in-person visits at the employer's office or the employee's home.

Wherever they take place, the recommendations from these assessments play a vital role in helping employers identify if and where ergonomic equipment is needed.

Protecting Disabled Employees Who Work Remotely

Remote and hybrid working extends employers' responsibilities to their disabled employees beyond the office. Under the Equality Act 2010, employers have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments for employees with disabilities or long-term health conditions.

For remote workers, this may involve providing ergonomic chairs, height-adjustable desks, or specialised accessories that enable them to work comfortably and safely from home. These adjustments aren't optional extras, they're legal requirements that ensure equal access to employment opportunities.

Supporting Employers With Limited Budgets

While compliance is mandatory, most employers genuinely want to protect their teams' wellbeing. The challenge often lies in knowing exactly what's required and how to implement it effectively, particularly for small businesses and start-ups working with limited budgets.

Fortunately, expert consultants like Wyvern are on hand to provide recommendations and support for businesses at all budget levels. Flexible and affordable solutions include offering guidance on posture and working habits, recommending affordable ergonomic accessories, and providing training to help employees develop healthy home working practices.

Shared Responsibility For Workplace Wellbeing

Employers are responsible for assessing risks and supporting safe work practices. However, the responsibility for a healthy working environment is shared by the whole organisation. Employees have their own duty to follow health and safety guidance, use provided equipment correctly, and report any issues promptly.

Consultants can help employees understand their rights and responsibilities, facilitating clear communication to identify and address risks effectively before they escalate into more serious problems.

Ensure your remote team works safely and productively. Book a professional DSE and ergonomic assessment with Wyvern Business Systems today and get tailored recommendations to protect your employees' health—wherever they work!

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