How Does Remote Work Impact Workers’ Comp Injuries and Insurance For Businesses?

The prominence of remote and hybrid work has fundamentally shifted how organizations manage operations, and it’s raising important questions around Workers’ Compensation coverage. Many employers assume employees working from home are no longer a risk, but that’s not the case. 

In reality, remote work workers’ comp injuries are very real, and failing to manage them properly can result in higher premiums and legal exposure.

In this article, we explore how remote work impacts workers’ compensation and what your business can do to stay protected.

Are Remote Employees Covered Under Workers’ Comp?

Yes. In most Canadian provinces, workers’ compensation laws apply to remote workers in the same way they do to on-site employees. If a worker is injured while performing work-related duties from home or another authorized remote location, that injury may be compensable under the provincial Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB).

But here’s the challenge: determining whether an injury occurred “in the course of employment” becomes less straightforward outside of the traditional workplace.

Common Remote Work Workers’ Comp Injuries

While there may be fewer incidents involving machinery or industrial equipment, remote workers are still vulnerable to a range of injuries, including:

• Repetitive strain injuries from improper workstation setups
• Slip-and-fall accidents within the home during work hours
• Mental health claims tied to isolation, burnout, or stress
• Eye strain or headaches from prolonged screen use without breaks

These injuries may seem minor, but if left unaddressed, they can result in time-loss claims, increased WCB premiums, and employee disengagement.

What Makes Remote Claims More Complex?

Remote claims often lack clear documentation and witness verification, making them more challenging to validate or dispute. Without robust protocols, businesses may face:

• Delayed or inaccurate injury reporting
• Increased administrative effort in investigating claims
• Greater difficulty in identifying fraudulent or exaggerated claims

This is where a proactive claims management strategy, like Windley Ely’s, becomes essential.

How Windley Ely Helps Navigate Remote Work Claims

With Windley Ely’s Comprehensive Claims Management, employers gain access to dedicated specialists, medical expertise, and legal guidance to manage even the most complex claims. We help you:

• Establish clear injury reporting protocols for remote teams
• Conduct thorough investigations with supporting medical documentation
• Challenge questionable claims in a timely and compliant manner
• Implement ergonomic assessments and safety resources for remote workers
• Analyze claim data to identify patterns and prevent future incidents

Our team ensures that both remote and in-office claims are handled with accuracy, compliance, and cost efficiency.

Steps Employers Can Take Now

To reduce the risk of Remote Work Workers’ Comp injuries and control related costs, businesses should:

• Develop a Remote Work Safety Policy that defines expectations and responsibilities
• Encourage ergonomic best practices and offer virtual workstation assessments
• Train employees on proper reporting procedures for workplace injuries, regardless of location
• Track claims data to monitor emerging trends in remote work injuries

Protect Your Workforce Wherever They Are

Remote work is here to stay, as is the need to manage claims properly. With Windley Ely’s comprehensive support, your business can ensure compliance, reduce premium costs, and provide better outcomes for your employees in cases of remote work workers’ comp injuries.
Contact us today to learn how our claims management services can support your remote and hybrid teams with expert-driven solutions that deliver results.