Radon Gas and Remote Working: Is Your Home Office a Health Risk?

Remote and hybrid working are now firmly established as part of modern working life. While this shift has delivered flexibility and operational benefits for many organisations, it has also introduced new considerations around employee health and safety — particularly in relation to less visible environmental risks such as radon gas.

Why Radon Matters in the Home

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that enters buildings from the ground. It is colourless, odourless and tasteless, meaning it cannot be detected without testing. Prolonged exposure to elevated radon levels is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. In the UK, radon is linked to more than 1,100 deaths each year.

When employees were primarily based in centralised offices, employers were able to manage radon risks through workplace testing and, where necessary, mitigation measures. However, with a significant proportion of the workforce now operating from home environments, radon exposure in domestic settings warrants greater attention.

The Role of Employers

The growth in homeworking has raised important questions regarding employer responsibility. Although organisations do not have direct control over employees’ private residences, they can still take proportionate and responsible steps to support staff wellbeing.

These may include:

• Providing clear educational resources about radon and its health implications

• Reimbursing the cost of radon test kits where appropriate

• Offering guidance on interpreting results and next steps if elevated levels are identified

  
  

Even where strict legal duties may not extend fully into private homes, proactive support demonstrates a commitment to employee welfare and contributes to a safer, healthier workforce.

Employer Legal Responsibilities

Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers are required to take reasonably practicable steps to protect employees from risks to their health and safety. Radon is recognised as a workplace hazard in areas where concentrations exceed the national reference level.

In addition, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require employers to carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments. This obligation extends to employees working from home.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has confirmed that employers must consider potential radon exposure for homeworkers and provide appropriate information, including guidance on how to use the UK radon map and access testing. However, employers are not legally required to pay for radon testing in employees’ homes. Furthermore, HSE guidance makes clear that it would not be considered reasonably practicable for an employer to fund or arrange radon remediation within a private residence.

A Practical Checklist for Remote Workers

Employees working remotely on a long-term basis can take straightforward steps to assess and manage radon risk:

1. Check the UK Radon Map: Determine whether your home is located in an area where radon levels may be elevated.

2. Order a Radon Test Kit: Radon detectors are affordable, discreet and simple to use. For accurate assessment, they should be placed in the home office and main living areas.

3. Allow Sufficient Testing Time: Detectors should remain in place for at least three months to provide a reliable average reading.

4. Review the Results: In the UK, the domestic Action Level is 200 Bq/m³. If readings are below this level, no action is required. If levels exceed it, mitigation measures should be considered.

5. Implement Remedial Measures if Necessary: Solutions may include improving ventilation or installing a radon sump or fan system. In most cases, remediation is straightforward and cost-effective.

   Please reach out to one of our radon test specialists at Radon Protection UK and we will provide all the information you need regarding the problems you are having with radon.

   
   

Conclusion

The evolution of remote working has broadened the definition of the workplace. As a result, organisations and employees alike must consider how health and safety responsibilities apply beyond traditional office environments.

Radon is an often overlooked but significant health risk. With increased awareness, appropriate testing, and proportionate action where required, home offices can be made just as safe as conventional workplaces. Please reach out to one of our radon specialists at Radon Protection UK.