New health & safety rules leave companies confused, remote work poses challenges

A key question concerning remote work setups is: who is responsible for providing ergonomic equipment – the employer or the employee? Specifically, the debate surrounds items like additional keyboards, mice, monitor stands, and laptop stands. Should employers be obligated to furnish these items? Even if such a duty existed, would allowing employees to take this equipment home be sufficient? The National Labour Inspectorate (PIP) issued a position in January 2024, stating that employers should provide these ergonomic equipment upgrades. However, this stance raises concerns. Following this logic, employers would also be responsible for desks and chairs, as these fall under the same regulatory category as additional monitors. Yet, the PIP itself has previously acknowledged that desks and chairs are not the employer’s responsibility.  – Karolina Kanclerz and Krzysztof Gąsior commented on this issue for Dziennik Gazeta Prawna.

Full article in Polish avialible: here.