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Workers' Comp for Remote Employees During the Holidays: What You Need to Know
As the holiday season approaches, remote work schedules often shift, creating new challenges for both employees and employers. While working from home offers flexibility, it also raises questions about workers’ compensation coverage. Here’s what you need to know to stay protected and safe while working from home during the holidays.
Understanding Workers' Comp for Remote Workers
Workers’ comp provides financial protection if you’re injured while performing work-related tasks. Whether you’re working in the office or from home, injuries that happen while doing your job are generally covered. However, injuries sustained during personal activities won’t be.
Key Things to Know During the Holidays
Injuries at Home Can Still Be Covered
Even though you’re working remotely, workers’ comp still applies if you're injured while performing work tasks. For instance, if you’re hurt while setting up for a virtual meeting or moving office supplies, your injury may be covered.
Holiday Activities Pose New Risks
During the holidays, you might take on extra tasks like setting up decorations or hosting guests. If these are personal activities, any injury won’t be covered by workers' comp. However, if you’re injured while handling work materials, setting up a video conference, or anything directly related to your job, you may be eligible for coverage.
Extended Hours and Overtime
If your work hours extend during the holiday season, or if you’re working outside your usual schedule to manage holiday tasks, any injuries that happen while performing job-related tasks could still be covered by workers' comp. Be sure to report injuries immediately, even if they occur outside of traditional hours.
Employer Responsibility for Home Office Safety
Employers are required to ensure a safe work environment, even for remote employees. While they may not be responsible for setting up your home office, they should provide guidance on creating an ergonomic and safe workspace. In some cases, employers may also be required to reimburse employees for office equipment like ergonomic chairs, desks, or other tools necessary to minimize risk. If you encounter any issues with your home office setup, reach out to your employer to discuss how they can assist in ensuring a safe workspace.
Workers' Comp for Remote Employees
During the Holidays
What You Can Do
Report Injuries Quickly: If you’re injured while working, report the injury to your employer as soon as possible to ensure coverage under workers' comp.
Separate Work and Personal Tasks: Remember, injuries from personal activities are not covered. Stick to work-related tasks when considering your workers’ comp eligibility.
Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with your state’s workers’ comp laws and your employer’s policies regarding remote work. If you're unsure, ask your employer for clarification.
Maintain a Safe Workspace: Ensure that your home office is ergonomically set up. If your employer provides resources or reimbursement for office equipment, take advantage of these to minimize the risk of injury.
During the holiday season, remote work offers flexibility, but it’s important to stay aware of your workers' comp rights. By knowing what activities are covered, maintaining a safe work environment, and reporting injuries promptly, you can enjoy the season while ensuring that you’re protected if anything goes wrong. Stay safe, and happy holidays!
If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to Brent Marlis and the team of lawyers at The Work Justice Firm. They are available to provide expert guidance and address any questions you may have.
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The information contained on the WJ website is provided for educational and informational purposes only. The contents of this site are not and should not be construed as legal advice.