Forms, Reports, Checklists

Safety Self-audit for Telecommuting

January 5, 2023

This checklist is to evaluate and take corrective actions in the home work space. Note: additional hazards may be present in any given situation.

Floors are clear and free of hazards
Work area is reasonably quiet and free of distractions.
Electrical cords are secured under desk, along the wall, away from feet and heat sources.
Temperature, ventilation and lighting are adequate.
First-aid supplies are readily available.
Where appropriate, the home has been tested for radon.
Carbon monoxide detector is in an appropriate location.

Walkways, aisles and doorways are unobstructed.
Exits are accessible and kept unobstructed.
Working smoke detector is located near designated work space.
Charged fire extinguisher is accessible from designated work space.
Work space is kept free of trash clutter and flammable liquids.
Radiators and portable heaters are located at least three feet away from combustible items.

Computer equipment is connected to a surge protector.
Electrical system is adequate for office equipment and circuits not overloaded.
Electrical panels are readily accessible in the event a breaker needs to be reached.
All electrical plugs, cords, outlets and panels are in good condition, no exposed/damaged wiring.
Extension cords and powers strips are not daisy chained (plugged into each other rather than the outlet) and no permanent extension cords are in use.
Electrical cords run in nontraffic areas, do not run under rugs and are not nailed or stapled in place.
Equipment is turned off when not in use.

Office furniture and equipment is set up to fit employee ergonomically.
Chair is sturdy and adjustable with backrest and casters appropriate for floor surface.
Monitor is at arm’s length or comfortable distance from eyes, and top of screen is slightly below eye level.
Forearms are parallel to the floor and wrists are straight.
Feet reach the floor when seated or fully supported by a foot rest.
Back is adequately supported by backrest.
Computer screen is free from noticeable glare and positioned to a height where neck and head are neutral.

Paper and electronic data are secure. WiFi should be password protected.
Private data and nonpublic data are destroyed in a secure manner, e.g., shredding appropriately.
Materials and equipment are in a secure place that can be protected from damage or misuse.
The member maintains an inventory of all member-owned equipment in the home office, including serial numbers when possible.
Firewalls and virus protection are up to date on computer equipment.
Encryption is used where appropriate and employee uses with the member supplied email system (not a personal email account).
Ensure there is coverage for member equipment at the employee’s home, especially confirming that electronic data processing (EDP) equipment (e.g., computer, printer, monitor) is included on the EDP inventory.

Topics

Telecommuting