Does Your Company Have A Duty Of Care For Home Workers Equipment?

Yes, your company still has a duty of care, even when staff work from home.

Just because the equipment is not in your office does not mean your responsibility disappears. If your team uses electrical equipment for work, you are expected to make sure it is safe.

What The Law Says In Simple Terms

Two key laws apply here:

• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

• The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

These require employers to make sure electrical equipment is safe to use. This includes anything your staff use to do their job, whether that is in an office or at home.

So if an employee is using a laptop, monitor, charger or extension lead for work, you still have a responsibility to manage the risk.

Does This Apply To Home Working?

Yes, it does. Home working does not remove your duty of care. It just changes how you manage it. For example, you may not be able to inspect everything in person, but you should still:

• Make sure equipment is suitable and safe

• Give clear guidance on safe use

• Check for obvious risks where possible

If something goes wrong and you have not taken reasonable steps, it can still come back to you as the employer.

What Equipment Should You Be Thinking About?

It is not just large items like computers. You should also think about:

• Chargers and power cables

• Extension leads

• Docking stations

• Any electrical item used for work

These smaller items are often the biggest risk because they are used daily and can wear out quickly.

Why “PAT Testing” Is No Longer The Full Picture

You may already be familiar with PAT testing. Today, the correct term is ITEE, which stands for Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment.

PAT testing focused on portable items but ITEE covers all electrical equipment that could pose a risk. That includes things like cables and accessories, which were often missed before.

This wider approach reflects how real risks happen in everyday use.

How Damaged Cables Can Become A Fire Risk At Home

Imagine a home worker using a laptop charger all day, every day. The plug might be fine but the cable could be worn or damaged. Over time, it heats up and becomes a fire risk.

Under older thinking, that cable might not even be checked. Under ITEE, it is part of the inspection because it clearly poses a risk.

What Should Employers Actually Do?

You do not need to overcomplicate it. Focus on simple, practical steps:

• Provide safe, good quality equipment

• Replace damaged items quickly

• Encourage staff to report faults

• Carry out checks where possible

The goal is to reduce risk, not create paperwork.

Why Employers Must Take Home Working Safety Seriously

Home working is now normal for many businesses. That means more electrical equipment is being used outside controlled office environments. 

Risks can build up quietly, especially with everyday items like chargers and cables.

Taking a broader approach to electrical safety helps prevent small issues from turning into serious problems.

Need Help Managing Electrical Safety For Your Team?

If you are unsure how to handle testing for office or home working equipment, TISS Electrical can help. Call 01245 377 625 to arrange ITEE testing for your business. 

We will guide you through what needs checking, carry out proper inspections and make sure your equipment is safe and compliant. Simple, clear and done properly.