The need for ergonomics when working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic is crucial, as the absence of ergonomics may increase the risk of workers losing their health. Employers should consider how to address the potential ergonomic problems of workplaces.

People who do not have experience in remote work often do not know how to properly and ergonomics to organize workplaces. It happens that the house simply lacks space for it. A small apartment can act as both a dining room, kitchen and bedroom, where there is no space for a desk and a chair.

The employer is obliged to:

• provide information and training on health and safety issues that are particularly relevant to workers when working from home (e.g. ergonomics, insulation work, general fire and electrical safety issues);
• provide information on general safety and health responsibilities, including taking care of one’s own health and safety and the safety of others;
• monitor that employees are aware of and comply with the company’s existing health and safety policy, including procedures for reporting accidents at work, ill health or any health and safety concerns;
• introduce in the company’s safety and health policy provisions on work at home during the term of remote work;
• ensure that employees’ workplaces are evaluated on an ongoing basis and that ergonomic conditions are monitored (while preserving the need for employee privacy at home);
• prepare a proposal for training in ergonomics and safety to change work habits and improve the physical working environment at home.

Source: https://www.seka.pl/ergonomiczna-praca-w-domu/

Source: „Physiological and ergonomic aspects of the organisation of remote work with a particular focus on older workers”, Institute of Occupational Medicine im. prof. dr med. J. Nofera