When Workers’ Comp Applies to Remote Work
An injury is considered work-related when it happens during agreed upon work hours and is directly tied to an employee’s job responsibilities, even if it happens while working from home. If the injury or illness is clearly connected to an employee’s job duties, not personal activities, it can be covered under most workers’ compensation policies.
The Personal Comfort Doctrine Explained
Under the personal comfort doctrine, employees can take brief, necessary breaks (like refilling their water bottle, meal breaks, using the restroom or stretching) and remain covered under workers’ compensation insurance, as long as these moments are a normal part of the workday. The doctrine recognizes that injuries sustained during these incidental activities may still fall within the course of employment if the worker hasn’t substantially deviated from their job responsibilities.
For remote employees, this means that simple activities that keep them comfortable and able to work are generally treated the same as if they took place in a traditional office space.
Understanding workers’ compensation for employees working from home doesn’t have to be complicated. In most cases, employers are generally required to have workers’ compensation coverage for employees in remote workplaces. To learn more about the cost of workers’ comp for remote employees,
get a quote today.
Workers’ Compensation for Remote Workers Out of State
Workers’ compensation laws and requirements
vary by state because each state sets its own rules on coverage, reporting and employer requirements. This means that business owners may need to get coverage in multiple states or adjust their policy to meet each jurisdiction's standards.
In addition, workers’ compensation policies in most states have minimum coverage amounts. So, before you get your policy,
check your state laws to be sure you have the right amount of coverage. It’s important to ensure your business is compliant wherever your remote employees work.
Workers’ compensation insurance for remote workers can help pay medical expenses for work-related injuries that happened on the job during work hours. For example, if your employee gets hurt after falling in their home office, workers’ compensation can pay for their medical care. Employees should contact their employer immediately after workplace injuries occur.
Types of Injuries Covered for Remote Employees
Workers’ compensation covers a variety of injuries and issues for remote employees, including:
- Ergonomic and repetitive strain injuries, such as neck and back pain, wrist strain, carpal tunnel syndrome or general musculoskeletal discomfort caused by long hours at a computer or incorrect workstation setup.
- Slips, trips and falls in the remote workspace, often due to cluttered areas, loose cords or navigating between work areas.
- Overuse injuries, including ongoing joint or muscle strain from repetitive motions or extended sitting.
What Does Workers’ Comp Typically Not Cover?
In most states, workers’ comp does not typically cover the following areas:
- Non-work-related injuries or illness
- Self-inflicted injuries
- Injuries sustained due to the use of alcohol or drugs
- Pain and suffering
- Violations of company safety policies
- Pre-existing conditions
- Common ailments like colds and the flu
How To Handle a Workers’ Comp Claim for Remote Employees
Handling a workers’ comp claim for a remote employee follows many of the same steps as an in‑office claim, but it may require extra clarity around how and where the injury occurred. We’ve outlined the key considerations for documenting and reporting a work injury for remote employees.
Documenting a Remote Injury
As part of the workers’ compensation claims process, remote employees may be asked by their employer to provide documentation that helps explain the incident. Documentation examples include:
- Description of the incident (what happened)
- Date, time and work hours (when it happened)
- Remote workspace details (where it happened)
- Medical records or doctor’s note (proof of injury)
Reporting a Remote Injury
Employers need to follow a few important steps when
reporting a workers’ comp claim for a remote employee. If one of your employees tells you they’re injured from their work, you should:
- Give your employee a workers’ comp claim form.
- Submit official claim paperwork to your insurance company.
- Provide accommodations when your employee returns to work.
Taking simple steps to support a safer and more comfortable at-home workspace can help lower the risk of injuries for remote employees.
Tips for Workplace Safety at Home
Employers can help reduce the risk of work-related injuries by encouraging employees to follow these
ergonomic tips for remote working:
- Set up a dedicated workspace that supports good posture to help reduce strain on the neck, back and wrists.
- Take regular breaks and change positions every 30 to 90 minutes to help prevent stiffness and overuse injuries.
- Hold your wrists flat and avoid adjusting your forearms on the desk or table.
- Take a visual break every 20 minutes by focusing on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce eye strain.
- Remove tripping hazards like loose cords or items on the floor near your work area.
- Adjust screens and seating to a comfortable height to avoid repetitive strain or muscle discomfort during the workday.
Additional Considerations for Workers’ Comp for Remote Employees
There are a few additional factors business owners should keep in mind when it comes to having workers’ compensation for their remote employees. These considerations can vary depending on how your workers are classified and where they are located.
