As vaccines are at last being distributed, we are experiencing some of the worst outcomes of the pandemic as winter begins. Many regions are facing new restrictions in the attempt to prevent the spread of Coronavirus with businesses, government facilities and public schools returning to remote operations. Until large portions of the population are vaccinated and the rates of infection are reduced in our communities, a lengthy period of remote learning in our schools may be the reality for the near future.
Because the virtual classroom could be extended for months to come, you may need to consider new approaches to worker safety and good ergonomic practices. Though teachers and other staff members may be working from home, they are nevertheless working and are covered by workers’ compensation and occupational safety regulations. Your responsibilities as an employer extend to your employees wherever they are working.
"Remote workers need the same safe environment as if they were on-site."
An occupational injury or illness is one that “arises out of and in the course of employment.” You need to provide workers the same safe environment that you would if employees were on-site. Your usual ways to provide that safe work environment have to change, through methods such as remote training, virtual ergonomic evaluations, and providing tools or equipment for teleworkers to do their job safely.
In their homes, teachers teaching remotely may have less than optimum workspaces to interact with their students, including spending much more time in front of a computer monitor. Some may not be able to do their grading, lesson planning and other paperwork where they are accustomed. Online training is one way to deliver resources and safer methods to remote workers. This video from Keenan's Working From Home Microlearning Series is a place to start to give your team the knowledge to navigate home workplace safety.
You may find it advisable to conduct ergonomic evaluations for your employees using virtual technology. Qualified members of your risk management staff or a loss control consultant can provide evaluations using teleconferencing platforms. Evaluators can assist teleworkers to optimize their workspace, recommend needed equipment, and offer instruction on reducing their risks of injury and cumulative trauma.
While the workplace has changed, your responsibilities as an employer have not. Being proactive in teleworker safety and collaborating with your employees to promote ergonomic best practices remotely will help manage your workers’ compensation claims during these unique times.