Workstations and seating

Regulation 11 says that every workstation must be suitable for the worker using it and the work carried out. Outdoor workstations should provide protection from bad weather, allow the user to leave quickly in an emergency and ensure the user is not likely to slip or fall. Suitable seating must also be provided at workstations where the work can be done sitting down, with a footrest where necessary.

Seating at work (HSG57) is available from HSE Books or can be downloaded from the HSE website.

During the coronavirus outbreak, the BEIS guidance for offices and contact centres makes clear that the steps that will usually be required include “avoiding use of hot desks and spaces and, where not possible, for example, call centres or training facilities, cleaning workstations between different occupants including shared equipment”.