Remote work has become a standard part of business operations for companies in Florida and across the country. Many employers assume that if an employee is working from home, workers’ compensation doesn’t apply.
In reality, remote employees may still qualify for workers’ compensation benefits if they are injured while performing work-related tasks.
Understanding how workers’ compensation works for remote or hybrid workers can help business owners stay compliant, manage risk, and support employees who work outside of a traditional office setting.
Are Remote Employees Covered by Workers’ Compensation?
In most cases, yes. Workers’ compensation insurance applies to employees regardless of where they are working, as long as the injury or illness occurs within the scope of their job duties.
This typically includes:
Working from home full-time
Hybrid work arrangements
Working from coworking spaces
Traveling for work
If the employee is performing a job-related task and is injured or becomes ill as a result, they may be eligible for benefits. Coverage is based on work activity, not location.
What Counts as a Work-Related Injury When Working From Home?
For remote employees, eligibility is often based on whether the injury happened “in the course and scope of employment.”
Examples of remote work injuries that may qualify include:
Trips, slips, or falls while walking to a work area
Back or neck injuries related to seating or workstation setup
Repetitive strain injuries from prolonged computer use
Accidental injuries involving work-related equipment
Stress or strain injuries related to job duties
An employee who gets hurt while performing a personal task, such as exercising, doing household chores, or cooking lunch, is unlikely to qualify. The key issue is whether the activity that caused the injury was tied to job responsibilities.
Managing Workers’ Compensation Risk for Remote Employees
Workers’ compensation claims that happen at home can be harder to evaluate because there are no witnesses and work environments vary from one employee to the next. When a claim occurs, employers and insurers may need to rely on the employee’s account of the incident and determine whether job duties contributed to the injury.
While employers cannot control every aspect of a home office, they can take reasonable steps to reduce risk and support safe work practices. Helpful strategies include:
Providing guidance on safe workstation setup
Offering ergonomic tools or stipends
Establishing clear work hours and expectations
Encouraging regular breaks and movement
Setting reporting procedures for injuries
Asking employees to share safety concerns
Offering basic ergonomic training
Clear policies and communication can help prevent injuries, reduce claim disputes, and support a safe and productive remote workplace.
How Workers’ Compensation Benefits Apply to Remote Employees
Workers’ compensation benefits for remote employees are generally the same as for in-office employees. Benefits may include:
Medical Care: Doctor visits, emergency care, diagnostic tests, or physical therapy
Wage Replacement: Temporary disability benefits while the employee cannot work
Rehabilitation Support: Therapy to help employees return to work
Permanent Impairment Benefits: If an injury results in long-term limitations
These benefits aim to help employees recover and return to work safely, whenever possible.
Do Remote Employees Increase Workers’ Compensation Costs?
Not necessarily. Many remote jobs are considered low risk because they involve office-based tasks. However, remote work can introduce different types of claims, particularly related to posture, ergonomics, and repetitive movement.
Businesses that transition to remote or hybrid work should work with their insurance provider to ensure that job classifications are accurate, payroll records are updated, and remote work policies are documented.
Proper classification helps ensure that premiums reflect actual risk and that your business is not paying more than necessary.
What About Freelancers and Independent Contractors?
Independent contractors are treated differently from employees. Generally, they are not covered under workers’ compensation unless they are misclassified.
A worker may be considered an employee if they:
Work primarily for your business
Follow your instructions or schedule
Use equipment you provide
If misclassification occurs, the business could be responsible for medical costs and penalties. Remote work does not change classification rules.
Protect Your Business and Your Remote Team
Workers’ compensation applies to remote employees just as it does to employees in a traditional workplace. If you have remote or hybrid workers, it is important to understand how coverage applies and how to manage risk effectively.
If you need help reviewing your policy or updating classifications, the team at Darr Schackow Insurance can help. We work with Florida businesses to understand state requirements, assess risk, and select coverage that supports employees wherever they work.
Contact us to learn more or request a quote.