PREAMBLE
SDLF Learning Foundation ( ‘SDLF’ or ‘the organization’) contractors work remotely. Often this means that contractors are working in their own homes or in the homes of families whose children are enrolled in SDLF programs. This policy outlines the working in home environments safety roles and responsibilities for the organization and for SDLF contractors.
Scope
This policy applies to all SDLF contractors.
Definitions
Working from home or “home working”
Remote working where a contractor is working in a home environment.
POLICY
SDLF Contractors
It is the responsibility of all SDLF contractors working in a home environment to follow all SDLF procedures that ensure the work space is as safe as possible.
SelfDesign Learning Foundation
It is the responsibility of the organization to provide guidance on safe work practices and ergonomic considerations for SDLF contractors and to address and respond to SDLF contractor reports of any workplace hazards or incidents.
PROCEDURES
Work environment
Contractor work environments should:
- Be free from interruptions or distractions;
- Keep SDLF information secure and confidential; and
- Meet health and safety requirements, as indicated in this policy.
Work Equipment
SDLF contractors are expected to provide, install and maintain equipment that supports remote working. Equipment may vary between SDLF contractors and may include: a secure computer; software to support SDLF related work; learner support equipment and any safety equipment required to ensure a safe work environment for SDLF contractors, SDLF learners and their families.
Workplace Hazard Assessment
SDLF contractors are required to complete a Workplace Hazard Assessment whenever they begin working in a remote space. All hazards identified in a remote workspace must be resolved before commencing work (i.e. if any answers fall within the ‘No’ column of this checklist). If a hazard cannot be immediately resolved, the contractor must remove themselves from the work environment and submit a Hazard and Incident Report form describing the hazard, and wait for a SDLF team member to contact them before beginning work.
SDLF Business Hours
SDLF business hours are generally conducted Monday to Friday, between the hours of 6am and 6pm pacific time. SDLF contractors set their own hours based on timelines and other requirements related to service deliverables specified in their contracts.
Safe Work & Ergonomic Practices
SDLF adheres to the WorkSafe BC guides safe and ergonomic practices for home working:
Setting up, organizing, and working comfortably in your home workspace
How to Make Your Computer Workstation Fit You
Reporting Work-related Incidents or Hazards
SDLF contractors must report remote work incidents or hazards that have occurred within 24 hours using the Hazard and Incident Report Form. Hazards that could pose a risk to a person’s health or safety and include instances of unsafe work practices and the environment (e.g. air, water, land). Incidents include injuries, illnesses and near misses involving workers while working on SDLF contracts.
To report workplace bullying and harassment, please use the form available here on the SDLF Policies website.
Working in Isolation
Contractors who carry out their role in isolation are at a higher risk than those who work with others. SDLF contractors who are working from home are required to adhere to SDLF’s policy for checking the well-being of a worker assigned to work alone or in isolation, outlined in SDLF’s Working in Isolation policy.
Requirements for Education and Training
SDLF contractors are required to complete:
- a) Anti-Bullying and Harassment Training;
- b) Occupational Health and Safety including Injury/Hazard Training; and
- c) Lone Worker Monitoring Training.
SDLF contractors whose WorkSafe BC insurance is not paid for by SDLF can voluntarily participate in this training by emailing a request to worksafe@selfdesign.org.
EFFECTIVE: September 28, 2020
REVIEWED: April 29, 2022