What are our responsibilities?

Question: A remote employee told us they were injured at home during their workday. What are our responsibilities?

Answer from Kelley, PHR: When an employee informs you that they were injured while working from home, take the claim seriously and follow your usual procedure for a workplace injury. Here are the steps we recommend:

• Thank them for letting you know about the injury and ask if they need medical attention. If necessary, help them get it. Their health and safety should be your first priority.

• Have the employee complete a workers’ compensation claim form, which can be obtained from your carrier. The carrier should be notified as soon as possible.

• Check for any recordkeeping or reporting requirements that you may be subject to under OSHA.

• Keep a copy of the employee’s claim form and any other supporting documentation.

• Talk to the employee about what happened to determine if there is a way you can help prevent this kind of injury in the future. For instance, if they tripped over a computer cord, maybe the cords can be bundled and arranged in a safer location.

This Q&A does not constitute legal advice and does not address state or local law.

Kelley has experience in human resources focused in Payroll and Benefits Administration and Employee Relations for small businesses. She graduated from Columbia Southern University with a Bachelor of Science in Business and Human Resources. In her free time, Kelley enjoys physical fitness, traveling to new places and spending time outdoors in the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains with family.

Legal Disclaimer: On-Time Payroll is not engaged in the practice of law. The content in this post should not be construed as legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you have legal questions concerning your situation or the information you have obtained, you should consult with a licensed attorney. On-Time Payroll cannot be held legally accountable for actions related to its receipt.