In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, you may have found yourself among the 63 percent of Americans who were working from home. And this year, 48 percent of workers have continued to work remote at least part time even though many are physically returning to work again.
Of course, working from home has pros and cons. It also raises serious questions like what would happen if an employee becomes injured while performing work at home.
Workers’ compensation (often shortened to Workers’ Comp) laws and requirements vary by state, but generally, any business that has employees must have workers’ compensation insurance coverage. It helps cover medical care and lost wages for an employee who is hurt at work.
With many employees working from the kitchen table or the home office, it helps to know how workers’ compensation can kick in. And of course, if you have questions about your specific policy, you should feel free to reach out to us!
WILL WORKERS’ COMPENSATION COVER AN EMPLOYEE IF THEY GET INJURED WHILE WORKING FROM HOME?
If an employee is hurt on work premises, they’re typically covered by the employer’s workers’ compensation policy. Workers’ compensation provides coverage for injury or disease employees sustain in the course and scope of employment. It applies regardless of negligence, with workers’ compensation laws varying by state.
Most telecommuters are still covered under their employers’ workers’ compensation coverage, whether full-time remote workers or temporary due to pandemic stay-at-home orders.
It’s important to remember that workers’ compensation insurance isn’t tied to a building. It follows you wherever you go, subject to the policy conditions, while you’re at work.
WHAT ARE COMMON INJURIES THAT CAN HAPPEN WHEN WORKING FROM HOME?
Common injuries telecommuting office workers experience include carpal tunnel syndrome; back sprains and strains; and slips, trips and falls. The injury or disease typically has to arise out of a work-related activity to be covered under workers’ comp.
Injuries are possible even if you have a desk job. That’s why it’s important to practice the same good ergonomic activities at your home office as you do when at your regular office. Simple things like good posture and remembering to take time and stretch, or getting up and walking around, can make all the difference.
