The hybrid work model has become a popular way of working in the 21st century as a result of technological developments and global events. This model offers employees a more flexible working environment and has the potential to reduce operational costs for employers. However, despite the many advantages of this new working model, there are some challenges that the home environment brings in terms of occupational safety. In this article, the effects of home working on occupational safety are examined and suggestions are made on the measures that can be taken in this regard.

1. Ergonomics and Physical Health:

Working at home is different from a standard office environment, where office furniture is often ergonomically designed. This can lead to prolonged and irregular sitting habits, which can cause musculoskeletal disorders.

Research shows that a non-ergonomic seating arrangement can cause pain and discomfort, especially in the back, neck and lower back. This can increase the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis and other types of RSI (Repetitive Strain Injuries). Such health problems can reduce a worker's long-term productivity.

Recommendation: When working at home, it is important to use an adjustable office chair and an ergonomic keyboard-mouse set. It is also advisable to periodically review your working arrangement to assess whether it is ergonomic.

2. Eye Health and Screen Use:

Working at home often involves prolonged screen use. This can lead to eye strain, dry eyes and other eye conditions.

According to scientific data, constant screen time can cause dryness, burning and fatigue in the eyes. This can have negative effects on eye health in the long term.

Recommendation: To protect your eye health, it is helpful to follow the rule of focusing on a distant object for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. Also, adjusting screen brightness and contrast is another strategy to protect your eyes.

3. Electrical and Equipment Safety:

The home environment is often less organized than office standards. This can lead to misuse of electrical cables, sockets and other equipment.

Recommendation: Check electrical cables regularly and replace damaged cables. It is also important not to overload sockets and to use good quality extension cords.

4. Psychosocial Factors:

Working at home can lead to social isolation. This can increase the risk of stress, anxiety and depression.

Recommendation: You can reduce the negative effects of social isolation by regularly attending team meetings and social events.

5. Acoustics and Noise Levels:

The home environment often has different acoustic characteristics than the office. Noise from outside, other activities inside the home or sounds from neighbors can disrupt concentration and increase stress levels.

Various studies show that persistently high noise levels not only impair concentration but can also lead to health problems such as heart disease, hypertension and insomnia.

Recommendation: To reduce noise, you should consider setting up your workspace in the quietest part of the house. You can also keep noise levels under control with soundproofing materials or tools such as headphones.

6. Good Ventilation and Air Quality:

Ventilation in the home environment may differ from the office. Inadequate ventilation can lead to increased levels of carbon dioxide accumulated in the room and reduced oxygen levels.

Several studies indicate that poor ventilation and air quality can lead to problems such as headaches, fatigue, lack of attention and loss of concentration.

Recommendation: You should ventilate your room by opening your window at regular intervals. You can also improve indoor air quality with tools such as air purifiers or plants.

7. Setting Psychological Boundaries:

Working at home can lead to a blurring of the boundaries between work and private life. This can lead to longer working hours and excessive fatigue.

Recommendation: Set specific working hours and avoid work-related activities outside these hours. It is also important to physically separate your workspace from other areas of your life.

Hybrid or home working has become the norm for many businesses and employees in the wake of the pandemic. This new norm has some risks as well as advantages. This article focuses on the potential risks of working at home and the measures that can be taken against these risks. Especially with the widespread use of home working, the need for research on this subject is increasing. We recommend that you ask your occupational health and safety service provider to provide more in-depth information and guidance on home working. They can accurately assess the risks and requirements specific to your home working environment and provide more specific and actionable recommendations to your employees. This way, you can make more informed decisions on the steps to take to minimize the potential risks of working at home and optimize working conditions. We hope this article contributes to a more sustainable and healthy home working environment.