The shift to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic led to changes in workplace dynamics, with many employees continuing to work from home either full-time or in hybrid arrangements. This evolution has introduced new occupational safety challenges, particularly in monitoring ergonomics and safe work habits outside traditional office settings. As a result, employers may face risks of employees suffering work-related injuries stemming from remote work that can lead to complex workers’ compensation claims. To protect employees and reduce liability exposures, it’s essential for organizations to recognize remote work’s safety implications and implement proactive measures to address them.
Common Remote Work Injuries
Remote work can lead to increased workloads and irregular schedules, making employees more susceptible to eyestrain from increased screen time, stress, fatigue and burnout. Poor ergonomic setups—such as working from couches or unsupported chairs—can result in musculoskeletal issues, with many reporting new or worsened pain in their shoulders, back and wrists. Additionally, home cleanliness standards may differ from office standards, and cluttered home workspaces can create physical hazards like loose cables or rugs that can lead to slips, trips and falls. As such, common occupational injuries from remote work include:
- Back and neck sprains and strains
- Repetitive motion injuries (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis and tendinitis)
- Chronic headaches and vision problems
- Stress fractures and broken bones, especially those affecting the arms and legs
Strategies to Mitigate Remote Work Injuries
To help keep their employees safe and reduce exposures to workers’ compensation claims, employers should develop comprehensive remote work policies that outline effective occupational safety measures. Strategies to consider include:
- Requiring employees to follow traditional work schedules (e.g., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or establishing maximum daily working hours (e.g., up to eight hours per day)
- Regularly training staff on ergonomic best practices, such as maintaining proper posture, placing frequently used items nearby to avoid overreaching, alternating between sitting and standing throughout the day, rotating among different job tasks or assignments to avoid using the same muscle groups for prolonged periods, and taking scheduled breaks to stretch and move away from their screens
- Providing guidelines for appropriate workstations to improve ergonomics, including a supportive chair, a desk with sturdy legs and a flat surface, proper lighting, monitors placed at eye level, and a keyboard setup that permits relaxed shoulder and wrist positioning
- Setting clear expectations for workstation tidiness and safety by enforcing routine cleaning schedules with trash removal; providing safe equipment storage practices that reduce slip, trip and fall risks; and maintaining sufficient document organization standards
Employers should also consider allocating a percentage of their occupational safety program funding toward remote employees’ workstations. In some municipalities, this may be required by law. Employers should consult legal counsel to determine their specific compliance needs.
Conclusion
Remote work can create certain occupational safety risks that can lead to injuries and associated workers’ compensation claims. By understanding these remote work hazards and taking steps to address them, employers can help foster a culture of safety and prevent injuries while lowering their exposure to potential liability.
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