Remote work is more widespread than ever, but hazards still exist outside traditional office spaces. If you sustain an injury while working from home, you might wonder whether workers’ compensation benefits still apply. The answer depends on the context of your injury.
Coverage basics for remote workers
In Tennessee, workers’ compensation generally applies to any employee injured during the performance of their job. This includes remote employees, provided the injury occurs while completing job-related responsibilities. For example, if you trip over a laptop cord while responding to emails, your injury could fall under coverage.
Employers remain responsible for maintaining a safe working environment, even if that environment is an employee’s home. The critical issue is demonstrating that the injury occurred during work hours while engaging in official job duties.
What counts as a work-related injury?
To receive workers’ compensation benefits, the injury must be directly connected to your professional responsibilities. If you fall while making lunch during a break, it may not qualify. However, injuries sustained during scheduled meetings or while using employer-provided tools likely do.
The timing and circumstances of the injury are significant. Keep thorough records of your work hours and assigned tasks. These details help substantiate your claim and show that the injury occurred during active work time.
How to report a remote work injury
Promptly notify your employer after an injury occurs. The reporting process mirrors what you’d follow in a conventional workplace. Timely communication makes it easier to support and validate your claim.
Document everything clearly, including photographs, timestamps, and a detailed account of the incident. Comprehensive records help the employer and insurance carrier assess your case more efficiently.
Working remotely does not remove your right to workplace protections. If you sustain an injury while performing work-related tasks at home, you may still qualify for benefits. Stay informed, maintain a safe environment, and understand your protections under the law.
