The answer to this question changed significantly in January 2000 due to a storm of media interest following the disclosure of a little-known IRS advisory ruling about OSHA coverage for telecommuters. The background and implications of this event, along with suggestions for employers, are covered in a special section on this site.

I doubt you'll find that kind of general "blessing" for the safety of telecommuting anywhere - nor would you find it for any aspect of the work world. Even though telecommuting doesn't represent a great risk (as measured by the almost non-existent level of claims), there is still not a definitive answer at the Federal level about employer responsibility. Keep in mind that while Federal laws generally supersede state laws and regulations, the various state equivalents of OSHA may have their own rules affecting work done at home or elsewhere away from the office.

More important, though, is to understand why telecommuting isn't as risky as some people may think. The reasons are simple: careful selection of telecommuters, careful selection and installation of equipment, thorough training on how to set up and maintain a safe workplace at home, and (if desired) an on-site inspection by someone who can spot potential risks are the four ways to keep telecommuting safe.

Also, keep in mind that no one is as highly motivated to maintain a safe workplace at home as is the telecommuter. If he/she is given the information and training about how to do so, the odds are that all the imagined risks and potential injuries won't happen.