Fully remote, hybrid workers are filing more injury claims

"Workers' compensation law was designed for workplaces that employers control and OSHA can inspect,” John Foy & Associates said in the report. “Injuries from poor workstations or falls over work equipment during work hours can still qualify for compensation. However, most employers do not have the documentation needed to handle these claims correctly.”

Other key takeaways…

• Sixty-one percent of remote employees said their neck, back, shoulder, or wrist pain got worse because they worked from sofas, kitchen tables, or unadjusted chairs.
• Women were 2.3x more likely to report strain and made up 63% of repetitive-motion injuries.
• Remote work is highest in DC (56.5%), CO (31.7%), MA (29.4%), MD (27.6%), and finance/insurance (30% remote, 38% hybrid).
• Forty-five percent reported feeling anxiety, 40% reported depression and only 36% reported they were “thriving” vs 42% hybrid.

“OSHA’s CPL 02-00-125 directive keeps employers responsible for work-related hazards in home settings, but does not allow inspections,” said John Foy & Associates. “This creates an evidence gap that often leads to claim disputes. Employers who create clear reporting systems and ergonomic standards now will reduce costly disputes in the future."

Finance and Insurance

About 30% of these employees work fully remote, and 38% work hybrid, according to John Foy & Associates. The jobs have the most consistent injury pattern: long hours on devices and poor ergonomic setups. This group falls within the 32% to 48% claim growth range. It is a clear example of the “white-collar injury from home” trend.