Preventing Workers’ Compensation Claims From Remote Work Environments

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 mitigate liability exposures, organizations must recognize the safety implications of remote work 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, stress, fatigue, and burnout due to prolonged screen time. Poor ergonomic setups—such as working from couches or using unsupported chairs—can lead to musculoskeletal issues, with many individuals 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, such as 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, prevent injuries, and lower their exposure to potential liability.

 

If you have questions, please contact a North Risk Partners Risk Advisor.

This blog is not intended to be an exhaustive source of information nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should consult legal counsel or a licensed insurance professional for appropriate advice. © 2025 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.

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