Some Crucial Information for Remote Workers

We all know the hazards that come with working in a traditional office. Some of these hazards include slips, trips, and falls, ergonomic hazards, fire hazards, chemical hazards, repetitive tasks, and workplace violence. Work-related injuries are quite common among people who work in a traditional office. However, even remote workers can suffer work-related injuries. The fact that an individual is not in a traditional office does not eliminate the risk of work-related injuries. Working from home also presents unique challenges that can result in work-related injuries. Even people who work from home can experience serious work-related injuries that impact their ability to work and perform other daily tasks. It is especially common for remote workers to develop repetitive stress injuries because some home workstations are not ergonomic. This article discusses some crucial things you need to know as a remote worker.

For You To Be a Remote Worker, You Must Be Working From Home

First, it is crucial to discuss who a remote worker is. Many people misunderstand the meaning of remote work. Checking your emails at home does not necessarily mean you are a remote worker. Many people who work in an office check their emails at home or handle minor job duties from home. This does not necessarily mean these people are remote workers. To be a remote worker, you must primarily work from home. You must be working regular hours in your home. There also must be an agreement between you and your employer that you are a remote worker.

Employers Are Required to Provide Workers’ Compensation To Remote Workers

In Vermont, every employer is required to have workers’ compensation insurance. This includes employers with remote workers. As long as the remote workers are not independent contractors, they are covered under workers’ compensation.

Workers’ Compensation Covers Injuries That Arise Out of and in the Course of Employment

Not all injuries are covered under workers’ compensation. For a remote worker to claim workers’ compensation benefits, their injury must have arisen out of and in the course of employment. Generally, this means that the injury occurred during the period of employment and while the worker was performing tasks related to their job.

It is crucial to note that some minor deviations from performing work duties may not necessarily prevent you from filing a workers’ compensation claim. According to the personal comfort doctrine, the course of employment is not interrupted if an employee takes a break to perform certain acts relating to their comfort, such as getting a glass of water, using the restroom, and taking a short break for eating. However, the rules are hardly black and white. A qualified workers’ compensation attorney can help you determine for a fact if your injury is work-related.

Proving a Workers’ Compensation Claim as a Remote Worker

The process of filing and proving a workers’ compensation claim after suffering a work-related injury as a remote worker can be complicated. You might face unique challenges. However, proving a workers’ compensation claim as a remote worker is not impossible. Proving a workers’ compensation claim as a remote worker requires careful and thorough documentation. It requires the help of a qualified attorney.

Contact a Vermont Workers’ Compensation Attorney

If you’ve suffered a work-related injury as a remote worker, contact our qualified Vermont workers’ compensation attorney at Sluka Law PLC for legal help.

Source:

osha.gov/sites/default/files/2018-12/fy15_sh-27643-sh5_ErgonomicsWorkbook.pdf