Homeworking and equipment safety

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) are important regulations in the context of homeworking because they place responsibility on employers for the safety of “work equipment”, regardless of whether it is owned by the employer or the worker. “Work equipment” is a very wide concept. It does not matter that the worker also uses the equipment for non-work purposes.

In particular, PUWER requires the employer to ensure any work equipment is:

• suitable for the intended use;

• safe for use, maintained in a safe condition, and inspected to ensure it is correctly installed and does not later deteriorate;

• used only by people who have received adequate information, instruction and training; and

• accompanied by suitable health and safety measures.