Work-at-home injuries aren't the only off-site injuries. (presumed telecommuting liabilities) (Industry Trend or Event)

SUMMARY: Many employers seem to be afraid of the liability risks of telecommuting caused by potential accidents or injuries to telecommuters working at home. Whether caused by slipping on the rug or tripping over the cat, cautious managers believe there is a sizable risk that will result in higher Worker's Compensation payments and other legal woes and costs. A recent court ruling involving an employee softball game suggests that the exposure for off-site injuries goes far beyond whatever risks are presumed to be associated with telecommuting.

You may not want to wave this article in the face of your company's legal or human resources department the next time they tell you about all the increased liabilities with telecommuting. Then again, maybe you want to do exactly that.

If you believe the skeptics, you'd think that telecommuters are the most accident-prone, clumsiest workers on the face of the earth. The assumption is that these very same employees who manage to get themselves to the office every day, …