Posted by Wendy on January 06, 19100 at 11:31:56:
I read an article today that concerned me. Apparently, the DOL (Department of Labor) passed a law in 1970 that required companies to ensure that a safe and hazard-free environment existed for all of its employees. Recently, the DOL distributed a memo that said, in effect, companies must ensure that homeworkers' environments meet industry standards.
The memo was erroneously distributed and was rescinded, but the fact that someone had considered it a viable idea is what concerns me.
I work from home, and after two years in this "profession," I can't imagine working anywhere else. I don't want to lose my potential client base, because the government makes hiring homeworkers too expensive. I also don't want to be forced into a company building, because I can't find work from home jobs.
One of my selling points to my clients is that they can save money by contracting my services. I purchase and maintain all of the equipment in my office, and I take care of my office environment myself. If a law requiring companies to ensure their homeworkers' environments is passed, I lose that edge. In addition, if companies are required to comply with such a law, chances are really good, that I would be unable to find any clients at all.
Does anyone have an opinion about that law? Does anyone have any ideas on what actions we home workers could take to ensure that this kind of action does not happen?