Can You Get Workers Comp if You Work From Home​?

Quick answer

Workers compensation protects Australian workers who get injured or sick while working. And yes — this can include injuries that happen while you’re working from home, as long as you meet a few basic criteria.

Below, we explore how to get workers comp with a work from home injury.

In depth answer

In recent years, working from home has become the norm for many. And while it has its perks — namely flexibility and comfort — it also raises some questions about what happens if you get hurt while working from home.

Can you get workers comp if you work from home?

The answer is yes, but there are a few things you need to know before making a workers compensation claim.

  1. Your injury must be work-related: for example, you’re probably covered if you hurt yourself while attending a Zoom meeting or working on a project your manager assigned you.
  2. Your employer has to know about your WFH setup: your employer must have approved you working from home, or at least been aware of your work-from-home setup. This could mean they set you up to work remotely or gave you the go-ahead. If you’re working from home without your employer’s approval, you could still be covered — but it’s essential to speak to a workers compensation lawyer immediately.
  3. Injuries during breaks can qualify too: if you hurt yourself during a reasonable break — like tripping over a cable making a tea — your injury might still qualify for a workers compensation claim.

Common work-from-home injuries

You can make a workers compensation claim for many injuries that happen while working from home, including:

  • Musculoskeletal issues: if you’re working in a non-ergonomic chair or working with improper equipment, this can lead to back, neck, or wrist pain.
  • Slips, trips, and falls: you might trip on household items or slip on a wet floor.
  • Mental health issues: if you develop a mental health condition due to working from home. It could be related to isolation, stress or a similar work-from-home-related cause.

How to make a workers compensation claim

If you’ve been injured while working from home, it’s crucial to report the injury to your employer right away. You’ll then need to get a workers comp claim form from your employer and put together strong evidence supporting your case. You can learn more in our 5-step guide to making a successful workers compensation claim.

If you’re unsure whether your work-from-home injury qualifies — or you’d just rather speak to a lawyer about your situation — get in touch today. In a free consultation, our expert workers compensation lawyers will explain your rights and how much compensation you can expect.

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