However, LGIS members are in a position where a high number of their employees must continue to deliver vital frontline services while staying healthy. As the situation continues to evolve, no advice is set in stone. However, LGIS recommends members have prevention measures in place and are prepared for rapid changes within the workforce.
Office workers who went remote almost overnight are facing their own set of challenges. While the circumstances that led to this aren’t ideal, there can be some benefits to working remotely. Studies have found that working from home cuts out commuting
time and the associated fatigue, it can also make some workers more productive. However, some people can struggle with the realities of sharing a space with children, pets and spouses. Others can find being away from the office isolating. Remembering that this situation won’t last forever can help build a positive outlook.
Technology can also help maintain ties with workmates. Use technology like Facetime, Skype, Zoom, messages and emails to stay in touch. If you continue to feel overwhelmed by the situation acknowledge these feelings of distress and seek professional support (see below).
The LGIS Counselling Services is a free, short term support service available to local government workers by phone on 0456 914 733. The Beyond Blue Support Service offers short term counselling and referrals by phone and webchat on 1300 224 636 or via beyondblue.org.au.
Employers have an obligation to ensure employees have a safe work from home environment. LGIS have prepared the following tips on working from home and staying safe.
Check-in: Establish a procedure for the manager and worker to periodically check-in with each other, confirming that the
home worker is safe and well and not experiencing any issues. If issues are identified then working arrangements should be reviewed. Managers should regularly check-in on their employees’ well-being, either during team meetings or on an individual basis. Now, more than ever, employees need your support and guidance.
Emergency communication: Telephone or other communication devices are readily available to allow effective communication in an emergency situation
Incidents: Any safety incidents will be reported using the business’ incident reporting system.
Power: Do not overload electrical outlets to avoid fire risk.
Trip hazards: Identify and reduce any trip hazards in the area. Be aware of your extension/power cords.
Emergency: Emergency contact numbers and details are known, i.e. 000 for fire, ambulance or police
First aid: Ensure first aid supplies are available and accessible Smoke detector: make sure a smoke detector is installed in/near the designated work area and is properly maintained
Safe storage: Keep your laptop and equipment in a secure place after hours that can be protected from damage or theft.
The chair: Use a sturdy chair that can be adjusted where possible. Refrain from sitting on very soft couches and chairs as they do not support the body evenly during extended sitting (see graphic).
Set-up: Adjust seating height where possible, so your forearms are parallel to the floor when typing and your hips are not lower than your knees. If you cannot adjust your chair and your feet cannot firmly touch the ground, use a book or ream of paper to raise your feet to the correct height.
Support: Place a small pillow behind your lower back while sitting to maintain the natural curve of your spine.
Desktop: Use an external mouse and place objects — such as your phone, mouse, and printed materials — close to your body to minimize reaching.
Monitor: Use your monitor. If this is not possible place your laptop on a riser/block/paper ream; the top of screens need to be at eye level.
Useable space: Ensure there is sufficient usable space on your designated working surface.
Breaks: Take short micro-breaks (approximately two minutes in length) every hour to stretch and move your body. If you have phone calls to make, get up and walk around your house or even outside!
Worker's compensation implications
Legally a worker who suffers an injury while working from home will be entitled to compensation if they can establish the injury occurred while they were taking part in a task or activity, which the employer had authorised, encouraged or permitted them to be performing at the time. In addition, with reference to a worker who sustains injury while taking a break, the smaller the gap between the periods of work, the more likely it is that a court would accept the injury was sustained in the course of employment. To reduce exposure to claims, employers might consider providing employees with set hours of work and address break periods (preferably in writing), as well as appropriate guidance for setting up a home office ergonomically.
With or without a pandemic, working from home is becoming more common, and for many employers and employees, it comes as a significant change. While telecommuting will likely be the norm for the next several weeks, employers should be patient with themselves and their employees as they navigate this new world of work.
Maintaining a routine while working from home can help employees feel more productive.
People used to a ‘9 to 5’ office environment can feel lost without the predictability it brings.
At its core, LGIS is all about local governments working together to achieve best outcomes for their organisations, people
and community. LGSAG is one such initiative where we have collaborated with member representatives to ensure they can create a safe and healthy work environment for their workforce when it comes into effect sometime next year.
The Workers’ Compensation & Injury Management Bill 2023, currently before Parliament in Western Australia, will enact major changes to WA’s workers’ compensation scheme
when it comes into effect sometime next year.
The importance of employers following internal policies and procedures and keeping accurate records can’t be emphasised enough when effectively managing a worker’s compensation claim. Our first case explores the need to follow one’s own internal polices in the context of a worker’s compensation work related stress claim.
Is your team working from home? Do you have staff who provide essential services to the community and are still at work? Employers must take all reasonable steps to provide a safe work place and equip their people with the knowledge to take responsibility for their own safety. For more information about your occupational health and safety obligations during the COVID-19 pandemic please contact the LGIS OSH Team.
Emma Horsefield | [email protected] | 0407 957 932
Do you have staff working from home and in need of some ergonomic advice? No problem! Our Injury Prevention team are able to provide one-on-one Telehealth Ergonomic Assessments to assist your workers to get set up to the best of their ability. Appointments will be conducted via Zoom, which can be accessed on laptops and mobile devices.
If you are interested, please contact our Injury Prevention team via phone or email:
Dane Casserly | [email protected] | 0438182548
James Larkin | [email protected] | 0419355943
Whether your staff are now working from home or still working from the office, supporting them to keep physically and mentally well during times of change is essential. During this hour online seminar we provide some tips and tricks to stay well, and an opportunity connect with others from within your organisation.
If you are interested please contact our HR Risk team via phone or email:
Shauna McQuade | [email protected] | 0428 430 394
We need to be resilient now more than ever! Resilience supports us to deal with and bounce back from difficult and stressful times. This hour online seminar will provide staff with ways in which they can develop different aspects of resilience to promote positive wellbeing.
If you are interested please contact our HR Risk team via phone or email:
Shauna McQuade | [email protected] | 0428 430 394
Risk Matters – Autumn 2020 Almost overnight, thousands of Australian office workers went remote. However, LGIS members are in a position where a high number
Risk Matters – Autumn 2020 Why early intervention? Responding early can reduce the likelihood of a worker becoming ill or injured or taking long-term sick
Risk Matters – Autumn 2020 The City of Subiaco has recently had great results in transforming their safety culture through the PErforM program. The purpose
LGIS is the unifying name for the dedicated suite of risk financing and management services for WA local governments, established by the WA Local Government Association in conjunction with JLT Public Sector (part of the Marsh group of companies). LGIS is managed by JLT Public Sector (ABN 69 009 098 864 AFS Licence 226827).
Risk Matters, via this website, is designed to keep members, their staff and elected members informed on topical risk management and insurance issues and LGIS programs and services.
