With tele-working and remote offices fast becoming the standard for many employees, experts say bosses need to be aware of their safety responsibilities even when the office is no-where near.

Some forecasts say that by 2020, 12 per cent of Australian employees will have entered into formal tele-working arrangements, which still fall under the jurisdiction of compliance for Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation.

According to a new eBook titled ‘Working alone, Remote and Isolated Work – What You Need to Know’; an organisation found to be in breach of the WHS Act can be dealt a maximum penalty of $3 million in extreme cases.

There are a number of risks and protections that employers should make sure are covered when workers work outside the office bounds. Suggestions include adequate communication systems in case of emergency (e.g - car break-down or injury), knowledge of relevant medical conditions, workers’ experience and training, and the likelihood of violence or risky activities in the space an employee is working.

Information on current regulations surrounding flexible and remote working arrangements is available from WorkSafe.