Working from home – Health and Safety Checklist: CRA and COVID-19

Due to COVID-19, many of us are now working from home. The following occupational health and safety (OHS) information has been provided to support you in performing your work duties in a healthy and safe manner.

Please read this information, and make every reasonable effort to follow these OHS guidelines. If you have any issues, please contact your manager.

Occupational Health and Safety Guidelines

Home office environment

• Choose a quiet space to limit distractions (an area that allows for hands free telephone use would be considered preferable).
• Create a clutter free work area. Remove potential tripping and slipping hazards from the floor immediately. For example, papers, loose and wrinkled rugs or mats, cables or cords, toys, boxes, etc. Remove non-essential items from underneath and on top of work surfaces.
• Set up your home workspace in safe and comfortable manner according to the Working from Home - Ergonomics principles.

Electrical and Fire Safety

• Check that all extension cords are in good condition (e.g. no exposed wiring).
• Do not overload power bars or electrical sockets (e.g. one extension cord is not plugged into another extension cord).
• Use surge protection power bars, if available, for all electrical equipment.
• Properly manage cords and cables to avoid tripping hazards. Have power outlets close to your work surface to charge your laptop or cell phone
• Confirm that there is sufficient ventilation for electrical equipment (i.e. ensure that laptop computers do not overheat).
• Store paper materials and any chemicals safely away from all heat sources.
• Verify that smoke detectors (and carbon monoxide detectors, if present within the home,) are functioning properly by hitting the test/reset button. Replace the batteries if needed.

Emergency Procedures

• Maintain routine communication with your manager.
• Have work related phone numbers readily available at your workspace.
• Identify a contact that can be reached in the event of an emergency, and update your Emergency Contact in ESS. *If there is an applicable emergency contact within your existing home. environment, this would be a preferable choice