Remote work / working from home is an increasingly popular method of performing jobs. Remote workers are not exempt from participating in the same standard of safety as those working onsite, as the "workplace" is considered any premises on which Trent-sanctioned activities are performed by workers. This page intends to provide helpful resources for individuals that work remotely, whether full-time or part-time.
Safe Remote Work Practices
Refer to the Trent University Home Workstation Checklist to ensure potential physical hazards are identified and controlled accordingly.
Working Alone
Working remotely may be accompanied with working alone, i.e., working by oneself such that assistance is not readily available should an injury, illness, or emergency arise. Being alone is interpreted as being out of visual or verbal contract, and when contact cannot be expected from another person for more than an hour. For activities such as telework where working alone may not pose a serious risk, the supervisor should complete a risk assessment to determine the appropriateness of activities performed by workers when alone. Visit the Working Alone page for more information.
Ergonomics
Many similar aspects to Office Ergonomics apply to working from home offices. However, home offices may not have equivalent furniture or equipment that is present in offices.
A home office should meet the same health and safety requirements as those available at work wherever possible. For example:
- Your desk, chair and other accessories are of a comparable (equal) quality to that in the defined work location. For example, the desk should be of appropriate height and sturdy enough to handle the weight of any peripheral equipment that you may place on it (e.g., computers, printers, scanners, etc.).
- Household objects can be used creatively to improve the ergonomics of a temporary workstation. Check out videos linked below.
- Your chair or workstation is adjusted properly: the keyboard is at the right height (wrists are in a neutral position), and the mouse is placed nearby (reachable without arm or wrist strain). Note that, generally speaking, the kitchen table is not an ideal work surface as the table is too high and doesn't allow for proper positioning of the wrists in relation to the keyboard and mouse.
- The workspace is tidy and organized to reduce reaching and twisting motions and has been cleared of potential slip-trip-fall hazards.
- Lighting is properly arranged: the computer monitor should not have reflections or glare, and light levels should not cause eye strain.
- Noise levels can be controlled either by isolating the work area or using noise-cancelling headphones or hearing protection.
- Ventilation and air quality in the workspace are adequate.
- The temperature is comfortable and can be adjusted as needed.
Workers should discuss potential options for using work-issued equipment or furniture at remote work locations.
For further information, visit the Office Ergonomics page.
Resources:
CCOHS - Telework / Remote Work / Working From Home
How to adjust an office chair - YouTube video
Working from home / Desktop Setup - YouTube video
Working from home / Laptop usage - YouTube video
Last Revised: May 29, 2025