This Home-Based Work Setup & Check SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) gives approved employees a simple way to set up and self-check a home workstation. It covers chair, desk, screen, keyboard and mouse setup, checking leads and power boards, lighting and glare, keeping cords and clutter out of walkways, clear exits and smoke alarms, and reporting hazards and incidents while working from home. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Businesses with employees working from home
Office-based and administration teams
Hybrid and remote workforces
Professional services firms
Not-for-profits and community organisations
Use it to
Train and induct workers in exactly how you expect the task to be done
Keep a clear reference at the machine, in the vehicle or on site
Record competency with the built-in sign-off
Show clients, insurers and auditors your safe work methods are written down
What this SOP covers
Musculoskeletal injury from a poorly set up desk or chair
Discomfort from screen, keyboard or mouse position
Eye strain, headaches and fatigue from poor lighting, glare or long screen use
Electric shock or fire from damaged leads or faulty equipment
Overloaded or daisy-chained power boards
Slips, trips and falls from cables and clutter
Blocked exits and delayed help when working alone at home
What's included
7 pre-operational checks, from work-from-home approval and chair height to screen position, leads, lighting, smoke alarms and exits
A 7-step operating procedure covering the self-assessment, daily setup, breaks, tidy cords, lighting and reporting
Electrical safety controls for leads, power boards, safety switches and faulty home office equipment
5 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for injury, feeling unwell, electrical faults and fire at home
PPE checklist and a list of related documents
Competency acknowledgement and worker sign-off
Space for your logo, SOP number, version and review dates
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing an SOP from a blank page
Written as clear, numbered steps that workers can follow on the job
Fully editable, so you can match it to your equipment, site and how your team works
The competency sign-off gives you a training record from day one
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, company name, SOP number and dates.
Check it suits your equipment and site, and edit anything you need to.
Train your workers and have them sign the competency acknowledgement.
Need more than one SOP?
This SOP is also included in the Ultimate Professional & Business Services SOP Bundle. At $197 for the whole bundle, it works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
Common questions
Does it cover work-from-home approval or insurance?
No. Approval, eligibility, insurance and other policy requirements are covered by your Working from Home procedure. This SOP covers the physical setup and self-check.
Is any PPE needed for home-based work?
No. The SOP notes that no PPE applies. The controls are a correctly set up workstation, safe electrical equipment and a clear, well-lit work area.
Do incidents at home need to be reported?
Yes. Hazards, near misses and incidents while working from home are reported to the supervisor, the same as at a workplace.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any step, check or hazard, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.
