Workers comp insurance is a kind of financial security given to employees at the time of injury which happens at the workplace. But does that mean that workers compensation insurance for remote workers is not applicable?
It is also valid for remote workers, as the nature of the injury is what matters instead of the location. Proof that injury happened while working for the company makes it valid for remote employees.
Possible Everyday Work From Home Injuries
When your home becomes your workplace, it will never match the office atmosphere standards.
Several common injuries occur to remotely working employees.
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Poor ergonomics at the home-based workplace leads to common injuries like the repetitive use of the wrist and hand might lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.
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Pain in the back, hands, and shoulder leads to severe backache, tendinitis, and bursitis.
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Slips and falls become part and parcel of the office hour when your home becomes your office. At home, sometimes, people are unaware of the toys lying on the floor, slippery floors, and the availability of railings and support.
Various Techniques To Avoid These Common Injuries
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Elevating the monitor to your eye level helps in reducing neck pain as well as back pain issues.
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Ensure your feet are on the floor and your hip and knee are at 90 degrees.
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In case one doesn’t have a height-adjustable chair and table. You can opt for pillows that support your back and raise the height.
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Take breaks in between so that you move your body. It is essential.
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Using headsets while attending calls also helps decrease back pain and fatigue.
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Always make sure bright light should not flash directly on the monitor. Prevent it through any curtain or blind.
Keeping yourself updated through all these injuries and taking care of all these techniques and tips will help reduce the risk.
Ways To Reduce The Risk Of Workers’ Compensation
Specific steps help employers make the workplace atmosphere healthy, safe, and secure for remote workers.
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Checklist for the workplace environment: It includes various points which help eradicate the common injuries of slipping, tripping, and falling. For example, the floor should be clean and clear, cables must be under the desk, the height of the desk and chair should be appropriate, and all other ergonomic factors.
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A proper designated and dedicated work area: This helps decrease the risk of injury and allows an employee to focus more on work.
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Properly assessing and inspecting the workplace: Employers must check the workplace of remote workers to ensure that it is appropriate for the employee.
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An adequately scheduled office hour and fixed routine: It is also helpful as it eliminates the chances of injury. Employers should define reasonable working hours, targets, and regular communication.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, most employees started working from their homes. So a particular set of rules which reduces the risk of workers compensation insurance for remote workers is essential.
How Can An Employee Compensation Lawyer Help?
If you have an employee who works remotely, you may wonder if they are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. It depends on your state’s laws and the injury’s circumstances. If you think your remote employee is eligible for workers’ compensation, you should contact a lawyer to discuss your case.
There are a few things that your lawyer will need to know to determine if your remote employee is eligible for workers’ compensation. They will need to see how the injury occurred and whether it happened while the employee was working. They will also need to know if the damage is work-related and whether the employer’s negligence caused it.
If your remote employee is eligible for workers’ compensation, your lawyer can help you file a claim and negotiate with the insurance company.
Final Thoughts
In the case of remote workers, it is impossible to prevent workplace injuries, especially when the employees are working alone at home.
Proper ergonomics techniques, a proper workplace atmosphere, and regular communication can help employees do their work safely and securely. And in the case of a work-related injury, workers’ compensation insurance is the right of every employee, whether working at the office or away.
