Simple Steps to Reduce Telecommuting-Related Risks

Employers’ Responsibilities:
1. Provide clear job descriptions, goals and reporting procedures for your
telecommuting employees.
2. Ensure your workers’ compensation coverage applies to telecommuters. For
example, if you have out-of-state teleworkers, make sure you have “other states”
coverage.
3. Verify that the organization’s general liability policy applies to the acts of
telecommuters.
4. Provide workers with the right equipment and support.
5. Offer training and guidelines for efficient teleworking.
6. Ensure your employees know what to do in the event of a work-related injury and how to report a claim. Stress the importance of early reporting.
7. If your workers’ compensation insurer has a network of preferred providers, make sure your telecommuting employees have a list of nearby providers and their contact information.

Employees’ Responsibilities:
1. Provide work space with ergonomically correct chair, desk and computer
equipment.
2. Complete a safety checklist certifying the space is free from hazards. This
checklist is not legally binding, but details management expectations and, if
signed, assumes employee compliance.
3. Verify that having a home work space will not violate the terms of their
homeowners insurance policy, community CC&Rs or local ordinances.
4. Immediately report any work-related accident to the supervisor with all medical documentation related to the accident. If the employer’s workers’ compensation claims manager or insurer deems an inspection necessary, the employee agrees to cooperate with the inspector.