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Health & safety when working remotely

Working remotely

The University of Wollongong is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all employees.

The University recognises flexibility is a key enabler of staff equity and inclusion and facilitates attraction, progression, and engagement of a high- performing, diverse and inclusive workforce.

It is recommended employees and supervisors thoroughly review the Flexible Work Guidelines as guidance on the design, approval, initiation and monitoring of flexible work arrangements.

WHS working remotely FAQs

All arrangements should be discussed with your supervisor prior to being undertaken. Employees should complete the Flexible work arrangement request form for review and approval by the supervisor. Documentation should be retained by the staff member and the supervisor locally.

 

If there are concerns about an existing injury or an inability to provide a safe working environment under the flexible work arrangement, please review the Flexible Work Guidelines.  The Agile Workplace Arrangement Form can be used as a guide to setting up an appropriate workstation. WHS are available on +61 2 4221 3931 or whs-admin@uow.edu.au should further assistance be required or to review the completed Agile Workplace Arrangement Form.

WHS recommend the following items as a guide to what is deemed best practice during this interim period:

  • Review and use the Agile Workplace Arrangement Form as a best practice guide to set up your home workstation.
  • There is NO NEED to complete the form and send to the WHS Unit unless you need assistance (i.e. employees who have an injury or illness).
  • Laptop to be used as a monitor only that is raised to eye level.
  • Mouse & keyboard to be used with a laptop. It is not recommended to use a laptop without these items.
  • Access resources on the working remotely page to improve the workstation set up, IMTS assistance, mental health resources, and supervisor/management resources.

UOW employees looking to work remotely who have a disability should seek medical advice to determine what adjustments are required.  These adjustment requests are to be provided to the employees supervisor and implemented where reasonable. For further assistance please contact the WHS Unit or HR Business Partner.

All costs of setting up a remote office (including but not limited to desk, monitors, chair and internet connection) are the responsibility of the staff member (Academic staff are not able to access consulting funds for the purpose of establishing a remote office. Refer to the Consultancy Expense Guidelines for appropriate use of consultancy funds). These costs may be tax deductible

Additional resources

How to set up your workstation at home

View a great video resource to help you set up your workstation at home.

Office ergonomic guidelines (pdf)

This guide has been prepared to help with setting up your workstation and assist in preventing injuries.

Stretch at work

Although you may be hesitant to stretch at work, keep in mind all the benefits of adding stretching to your day-to-day routine.

Avoid injuries (PDF)

Follow these steps when working at your computer.

Person with bandaged hand Workers compensation

Members of staff undertaking authorised work from an agile workplace are covered under the same principles of workers compensation that apply on campus.