Preventing Workers’ Compensation Claims From Remote Work
Over the years, this trend has posed new occupational safety challenges, making it more difficult for employers to monitor remote employees’ working habits and ensure they implement proper ergonomics. This, in turn, can lead to various occupational injuries and complex workers’ compensation claims.
In light of these developments, it’s important for employers to understand the safety risks posed by remote operations. They should also implement proper precautions to protect employees who work from home and prevent potential accidents and workers’ compensation claims. This article provides more information on common occupational injuries stemming from remote work and offers related mitigation strategies.
Common Remote Work Injuries
Due to their constant digital access to job assignments and materials, remote employees may be more likely to take on larger workloads and longer, nontraditional schedules. This could make them more vulnerable to digital eyestrain from extended screen time and increase the risk of occupational stress, fatigue and burnout, posing significant safety concerns and workers’ compensation exposures.
Additionally, remote employees are often less inclined to utilize adequate workstations, sitting in unsupportive chairs or on the couch for most of their shifts. Such nonergonomic setups can cause these employees to hold uncomfortable postures for long periods, contributing to musculoskeletal problems and associated workers’ compensation claims. According to a recent study, 41% of U.S. employees who recently switched from traditional work setups to remote arrangements reported experiencing new or increased shoulder, back and wrist pain.
Remote employees’ workstations may also become cluttered due to space constraints, poor equipment storage practices and differing cleanliness standards between home and the office. In some cases, if such clutter impacts walking surfaces, this may create additional safety hazards and workers’ compensation concerns. For example, loose cables and rugs could leave remote employees more susceptible to slips, trips and falls.
Considering these exposures, here are some of the most prevalent occupational injuries that may arise from remote work:
- Back and neck sprains and strains
- Repetitive motion injuries (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis and tendinitis)
- Stress fractures and broken bones, especially those affecting the arms and legs
- Chronic headaches and vision problems
Mitigation Strategies
Employers must develop comprehensive remote work policies that outline effective occupational safety measures to protect employees who work from home and help them avoid potential injuries and workers’ compensation claims. These measures may include:
- Requiring employees to follow traditional schedules (e.g., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or establishing maximum daily working hours (e.g., up to 10 hours per day)
- Training staff on ergonomic best practices, such as the following:
- Maintaining proper posture
- Placing frequently used items nearby to avoid overreaching
- Alternating between sitting and standing throughout the workday
- Rotating between different job tasks or assignments to avoid using the same muscle groups for prolonged periods
- Taking scheduled breaks to stretch and spend time away from the screen
- Providing guidelines for appropriate workstations, including a supportive chair, a desk with sturdy legs and a flat surface, monitors placed at eye level, and a keyboard setup that permits relaxed shoulder and wrist positioning
- Setting clear expectations for workstation tidiness by enforcing routine cleaning schedules and trash removal, safe equipment storage practices, and sufficient document organization protocols
Employers should also consider allocating a percentage of their occupational safety program funding toward remote employees’ workstations, if possible. In some municipalities, this may even be required by law. Employers should consult legal counsel to determine their specific compliance needs.
Conclusion
Although remote work can benefit employers and their staff, it poses certain occupational safety risks. Neglecting to address these risks can prompt serious accidents and associated workers’ compensation claims. By understanding common injuries stemming from remote work and taking steps to prevent them, employers can ensure smooth operations and foster a culture of safety.
Contact us today for more workers’ compensation resources.
Article Published By: Zywave, Inc.
