Working from home covered by WCB

Working remotely is defined by WCB Alberta as telecommuting. Workers who telecommute on a permanent or temporary basis may still be covered under workers’ compensation.

Employers should consider drafting a policy or agreement to address workers’ safety while working remotely. Things to consider in the policy would include:

• The workspace: This might address safety inspections by the employee, ergonomics, tripping hazards, etc.
• Reporting: This would outline means of reporting an illness or injury stemming from a home-based workplace incident.
• Definition of ‘work time’: Because a worker is in their home, what might constitute ‘work time’ as opposed to ‘personal time’?
• Travel: Consider the reasons a telecommuter might need to travel to the employer’s office as it relates to the employees work obligations

You are welcome to download this sample document and customize it to suit your organization.

WCB Alberta has developed an Employer Fact Sheet on telecommuting. It includes a variety of scenarios to help clarify WCB coverage for employees while they are working from home.

If you have questions related to WCB coverage for telecommuters, please visit wcb.ab.ca or contact WCB Alberta via e-mail (contactcentre [at] wcb.ab.ca (contactcentre[at]wcb[dot]ab[dot]ca)) or by phone (1.866.922.9221).