HR Q&A – A Remote Employee Was Injured at Home During Their Workday. What Are Our Responsibilities?

If an employee reports being injured while working from home, it’s important to take their claim seriously. While working from home may seem like a low-risk environment, accidents can still happen. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 50% of workplace injuries occur in home-based offices.

As an employer, it’s your responsibility to provide a safe work environment for all employees, regardless of where they are working. This includes providing proper training and equipment to prevent injuries. But what steps should you take if an employee does report being injured while working from home?

First and foremost, you should ensure that the employee receives necessary medical attention. This may mean directing them to seek treatment at a nearby clinic or hospital. You should also make sure that they receive any necessary follow-up care and have access to accommodations that may be needed during their recovery.

Next, you should conduct an investigation to determine the cause of the injury and if it could have been prevented. This may involve reviewing the employee’s work space and equipment, as well as any training they received on proper ergonomics and safety procedures. If there are any issues with their set-up or lack of training, take steps to address them immediately to prevent future injuries.

It’s also important to communicate with your workers’ compensation insurance provider to ensure that all necessary claims are filed and processed correctly. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may need to provide temporary or permanent accommodations for the employee’s return to work.

In addition, it’s crucial to maintain open communication with the injured employee throughout their recovery process. This includes checking in regularly on their progress and providing any necessary support or resources for a smooth transition back to work.

Conduct regular safety training sessions for all employees, emphasizing the importance of following proper protocols and procedures to prevent workplace injuries. Encouraging an open-door policy where employees can voice their concerns about safety can also help identify potential hazards before they become serious problems.

Finally, it’s crucial to have a detailed incident reporting system in place. This allows for quick and efficient reporting of any workplace accidents or injuries, allowing you to address them promptly and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.