Remote and hybrid working are here to stay. For many businesses, this change has raised new questions about health and wellbeing, especially when it comes to unseen risks like radon.
Why Radon Matters at Home
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that seeps into buildings from the ground. It is invisible, odourless, and tasteless, but prolonged exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. In the UK alone, radon is linked to over 1,100 deaths each year.
When staff worked primarily from central offices, employers could ensure radon testing and, if needed, mitigation were in place.
Should Employers Play a Role?
With so many employees now working from home full-time, the question of employer responsibility is increasingly important. While organisations may not have direct control over home environments, they can still:
- Share educational resources about radon.
- Offer to reimburse the cost of test kits.
- Provide guidance on what to do if high levels are found.
Even if the strict legal duty does not fully extend into employees’ homes, offering support shows commitment to staff wellbeing and creates a safer, healthier workforce.
Employer Legal Duties
In the UK, the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 requires employers to take reasonable steps to protect employees from risks to their health and safety. Radon is recognised as such a risk in areas where concentrations are higher than the national reference level. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 also require employers to carry out risk assessments and this extends to employees working from home.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has clarified that employers must consider radon exposure to homeworkers and provide relevant information, such as how to use the UK radon map and options for testing. However, it is up to the employer whether they choose to pay for radon testing of an employee’s home. HSE guidance also makes clear that it would not be considered reasonably practicable for an employer to fund or arrange radon remediation in an employee’s private home.
A Practical Checklist for Employees
If you’re working remotely long-term, here are simple steps to reduce radon risk at home:
- Check the radon map – Use the UK Radon map to see if your area is affected.
- Order a radon test – Radon detectors are affordable, discreet, and easy to use. Place them in your home office and living spaces for accurate results.
- Wait for reliable results – Leave detectors in place for at least three months to get a true average reading.
- Review your results – If levels are below the Action Level (200 Bq/m³ in the UK), no action is needed. If higher, don’t panic – solutions are available.
- Act if needed – Remediation could be as simple as improving ventilation or may involve installing a radon sump or fan system. These are usually straightforward and cost-effective.
Final Thoughts
Remote working has changed the way we think about workplace safety. Radon, while often overlooked, is a serious health risk that can be managed with awareness and testing. By taking a few simple steps, employees and employers can work together to ensure that home offices are just as safe as traditional ones.
