Can I seek workers’ compensation benefits if I work remotely?

The past few years changed the landscape of the traditional workplace in the United States. Many employers are now permitting employees to work remotely part-time or full-time. Still, work-from-home employees face hazards and can be injured, just as they could if they worked on-site.

Work-from-home injuries and illnesses

Some workplace injuries are common whether you work remotely or work on-site. For example, if you type at a computer all day, you could suffer repetitive strain injuries in you hands and wrists. This is true whether your computer is at your employer’s on-site facility or at your own home.

Also, the physical location where you work can be compromised, whether it is your employer’s on-site office or your home office. In either situation, there could be structural problems with the heating, cooling, plumbing and electricity that could impact your ability to work and pose risks to your health.

Significantly, however, is a remote worker’s mental health. Working in isolation can be stressful. While some find they are more productive without the distraction of co-workers, others find that the lack of socialization at work causes them to suffer depression or anxiety.

Work-from-home and workers’ compensation

If you work remotely and suffer an injury or illness, you might wonder if you still qualify for workers’ compensation. Thankfully, you might be able to pursue these benefits.

To do so, you generally need to show you were acting in your employer’s interests when you were injured or you became ill. So if your injury or illness occurred while you were performing work duties at home, you might be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.

North Carolina law has specific processes that workers who want to claim workers’ compensation benefits must follow, even if they work remotely. If you follow these steps, you might qualify for the benefits you need, whether you work from home or work on-site.