Remote Workers And Workers” Compensation

2020 and COVID-19 have changed the way we think about remote working. Most businesses are having employees work from home, and even if there is a vaccine, the work from home trend is likely to continue well into 2021. A PWC survey on US remote working found that 55% of executives believe that most of their employees will continue working remotely at least one day a week post-pandemic. 
A Remote Work Policy Might Include:

• Work hours
• Equipment used
• Time management
• Define the scope of work
• Designated work area
• Proof of presence in the work area

 
How Does Worker’ Compensation Apply To Remote Workers?

In general, employees are covered for work-related injuries that occur outside the office or other workplaces. Generally, employers are still responsible for injuries that occur during a detour, such as when an employee physically departs from his or her job duties that is considered minor activity, getting coffee, etc.

Some questions that will determine whether an injury is a work-related include:

• Was the employer benefiting from the employee’s actions when the injury occurred?
• Did the employer require the employee to engage in the injury-causing activity?
• Did the employer approve the off-site activity in advance?

While employers cannot completely eliminate safety hazards in a home office setting, just as they cannot in the traditional office setting, employers should enforce good risk management practices to ensure those home office workplaces are as safe as possible.

Finding and buying the insurance that meets the unique needs of your business can be easy when you work with the experienced team at our agency. We understand that your business is one of a kind and needs specific protection.
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Additional References