Remote Worker Safety Remains in Focus

The latest podcast from Best’s Insurance Law series features Janine McCartney from HHC Safety Engineering Services and HHC Safety Consulting Services, Corporation, who discusses safety issues related to employees working from home.
She noted that OSHA has a directive (CPL 2-0.125 from 2000) stating they will not conduct inspections of employee’s home offices and will not hold employers liable for them, but they may inspect other home-based worksites in response to complaints indicating serious hazards.
Employers are responsible for hazards in home worksites caused by employer-provided materials, equipment, and work processes, and must continue to comply with record-keeping requirements for work-related injuries and illnesses regardless of location.
Her insights include the recommendation that for employers with remote workers, key concerns regarding workers’ compensation include defining the workplace, proving injuries, setting clear work hours, and ensuring a safe work environment.
To address these concerns, employers should develop an effective remote work policy, maintain open communication, provide ergonomic support, implement clear reporting processes, consider (though with caution) virtual safety assessments, and track work hours and activities.
(Editor’s note: Podcast summary prepared using Notebook LM.)
READ MORE

The Kentucky League of Cities’ KLC Insurance Workers’ Compensation affiliate is offering grants to its customers with a 50/50 matching opportunity to invest in safety equipment and initiatives that help prevent workplace injuries.
Applications will be accepted until April 11, 2025, or until all funds are awarded, by the member-owned program.
The list of eligible items targets the most frequent causes of loss among KLC-insured members, including personal protective equipment, defensive driver training, and, telematic systems that are used to enforce fleet safety and influence safe driving behaviors.
READ MORE