Lately, there has been much discussion about who is responsible for the health and safety of people working from home. Now, a conclusion seems to be in sight after the U.S. Department of Labor declared that employers are not responsible for the health and safety of teleworkers after all.

This statement contradicts a 'letter of interpretation' issued by OSHA in November (see previous i-FM story from 1st December) last year, which said all firms that allow employees to work at home are responsible for injuries suffered by those workers.

However, OSHA withdrew its interpretation after an uproar from employers who felt OSHA's decision could signal the beginning of the end of the work-at-home era for hundreds of companies.

In addition, OSHA's proposed ergonomics standards will most likely incorporate a distinction between white-collar telecommuters and blue-collar employees engaged in hazardous manufacturing at home. The ergonomics standards, which are opposed by many businesses, would hold employers responsible for repetitive-strain injuries suffered by office workers.

Anna Lagerkvist