Why Australian WHS Protocols Still Matter for Remote Workers

Since the COVID-19 Pandemic, working from home has become the new norm for office workers.

As of August 2024, 36% of employees worked from home. This is a slight decrease from the year before, and whilst debate is still happening on whether people should return to office, one thing remains clear - WHS rules still apply. Under Australian WHS laws, employers remain responsible for the health, safety, and well-being of employees working remotely.

Are Employers Responsible for WHS When Employees Work from Home?

Yes. Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, employers (or PCBUs – Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking) have a legal duty of care to provide a safe working environment, regardless of where the work is performed.

This means businesses must take reasonable steps to eliminate or minimise health and safety risks for remote workers.
These obligations apply even if:

The employee requests to work from home

The arrangement is temporary, part-time, or full-time

Remote work is necessary due to external factors, such as public health concerns or extreme weather events

Failure to do so could mean increased workers compensation claims, legal penalties and fines, reduced productivity and increased absenteeism.

What are considered as common WHS risks for Remote Workers?

While a home office might seem like a low-risk environment, remote employees can still be exposed to hazards that impact their health, safety, and well-being.

Ergonomic and Physical Safety Risks:

Non-ergonomic furniture can cause back, neck and shoulder pain. Similarly, repetitive strain injuries, eye strain and headaches can result from extensive computer use.

Trip and Electrical Hazards:

Home offices may not meet the same safety standards as traditional workplaces, leading to loose cables, faulty power boards and poor lighting. This increases the risk of falls and fires.

Mental Health & Psychosocial Hazards:

Remote work blurs the boundaries between personal and professional life. This can lead to increased stress and anxiety, burnout and job strain. It’s also not uncommon for people to feel isolation and loneliness from lack of team engagement.

Work Hours, Fatigue and Overwork:

Often without a structured workplace, employees find themselves working extra long hours. This can lead to fatigue, errors and accidents.

Family & Domestic Violence Risks:

A very unfortunate reality is that for some people, working from home is not a safe option. Family and domestic violence can present serious safety concerns, so it is important that there are the correct confidential support channels available to employees.

How Employers Can Ensure WHS Compliance for Remote Workers

1. Conduct Risk Assessments

Provide a WHS checklist for employees to assess their home workspaces.
Require employees to report safety concerns.

2. Implement a Remote Work WHS Policy

Clearly define employer and employee responsibilities.
Set guidelines for ergonomic setup, working hours, and hazard reporting.

3. Provide WHS Training and Support

Offer training on ergonomic workstation setup, mental health awareness, and hazard management.
Maintain regular check-ins to assess employee well-being and engagement.

4. Monitor Work Hours and Encourage Breaks

Set clear expectations around work hours to prevent overwork.
Encourage movement and screen breaks to reduce strain and fatigue.

5. Strengthen Communication and Support

Schedule regular team check-ins to maintain connection and engagement.
Provide confidential support channels for employees facing domestic risks.

6. Review and Update WHS Measures Regularly

Monitor reports and feedback to assess risks.
Adapt policies as work environments evolve.

How Life International Training Can Help

At Life International Training, we provide comprehensive WHS training and support to help businesses foster a strong safety culture—whether employees are on-site or working remotely.

Our expert-led training ensures employers and workers understand their WHS responsibilities, risk management strategies, and best practices for maintaining a safe and compliant work environment. We help businesses:

Strengthen WHS knowledge and awareness across all levels of the organisation.

Promote a proactive approach to workplace safety, including remote work considerations.

Provide training that equips employees and managers with the skills to identify and manage potential risks.

Support businesses in meeting their legal WHS obligations under Australian law.

By prioritising safety through proper training and ongoing support, businesses can reduce risks, improve employee well-being, and ensure compliance—regardless of where work is performed.