Accidents at work are often considered to be those that take place at a specific site or premises such as in an office, a factory floor, warehouse or other place of work. But accidents can and do happen to remote workers who carry out their roles from home.

The nature of remote working accidents is often linked to poor posture, working habits and the immediate environment, and an employee’s home should be risk assessed to ensure it’s the most suitable set-up for their work. There should be a focus on maintaining productivity and maximising wellbeing.

The employer is usually held responsible for making sure their staff are working in a safe environment and that they have the right equipment for their job. But, without actually visiting the setting, it can be difficult to fully assess the working conditions.

As people continue to work remotely or in a hybrid fashion, it’s important to know the protocols to follow.

Risk assessment

This is an important health and safety aspect of any job and you should carry out your own assessment at home if you work remotely. Employers should provide information on the correct workstation set up, as suggested by the HSE, and the right posture to help prevent injuries.

Speak to your employer

If something isn’t right or you’re unable to do your job safely then it’s important to speak to your employer. This could be related to your work equipment or any health issues that might prevent you from carrying out your tasks. You should also make them aware if you’re struggling with mental health issues such as isolation as this can have a huge impact on your ability to do your job.

You should also let your employer know as soon as possible if you suffer an accident or injury that prevents you from doing your job and this should be properly documented.

Seek medical treatment

If you suffer an accident while working remotely, it’s vital to seek prompt medical advice and treatment if necessary. If you can’t do your role for an extended period of time you should get a doctor or hospital sick note and speak to your employer about your sick pay policy.

Legal considerations

If the accident was caused by employer equipment, they could be liable for your injuries and a thorough investigation should take place. Some employees might choose to make a work accident claim to help them manage any financial implications while they’re unable to work.

In either case, you should speak to your line manager, occupational health or your HR department and work with them to enable a swift recovery and safe return to work.