9 Apr 2026

The modern workplace has evolved beyond traditional office spaces, with remote work and business travel becoming increasingly common. While this shift offers flexibility, it also raises an important compliance question: Are injuries sustained at home or during work travel considered OSHA recordable? Understanding how the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines “work-related” injuries is essential for employers to maintain accurate records and ensure compliance.

What Makes an Injury OSHA Recordable?

According to OSHA recordkeeping requirements, an injury or illness must be recorded if it is work-related and meets certain criteria. OSHA defines a work-related injury as one where an event or exposure in the work environment either caused or contributed to the condition or significantly aggravated a pre-existing condition.

Additionally, the case must involve one or more of the following:

Medical treatment beyond first aid
Days away from work
Restricted work or job transfer
Loss of consciousness

These criteria apply regardless of where the employee is physically located, making it crucial to assess the context of each incident.

OSHA Perspective on Work-from-Home Injuries

Home Office as Work Environment

OSHA recognizes that a work environment includes any location where an employee is performing work duties, including a home office. However, OSHA also clarifies that employers are not responsible for inspecting or ensuring the safety of an employee’s home.

When Are Remote Work Injuries Recordable?

Injuries sustained while working from home are considered OSHA recordable if they:

Occur while the employee is performing work-related tasks
Are directly related to the employee’s job duties

For example, if an employee trips over work equipment or is injured while handling job-related materials, the injury may be considered work-related.

OSHA makes a clear distinction between work activities and personal activities. Injuries are not recordable if they occur during:

Household chores
Personal breaks unrelated to work
Activities not directly tied to job duties

For instance, an employee injured while cooking lunch or doing laundry during work hours would not typically meet OSHA’s definition of a work-related injury.

OSHA Guidelines for Employees Traveling for Work

When Travel Injuries are Recordable

OSHA states that injuries occurring during business travel are work-related when the employee is engaged in activities in the interest of the employer. This includes:

Attending meetings or conferences
Traveling between job sites
Performing assigned work tasks

If an employee is injured while carrying out these responsibilities, the case is likely OSHA recordable.

The “Home Away from Home”

A key OSHA concept is the “home away from home” rule. When an employee checks into a hotel during business travel, they are considered to have established a temporary residence. As a result:

Injuries during personal time (e.g., exercising, dining, or relaxing) are generally not recordable.
The employee is viewed as off-duty unless actively working.

OSHA excludes cases involving:

Normal commuting (e.g., travel between hotel and job site)
Personal detours or side trips
Activities unrelated to work responsibilitie

Key Factors Employers Must Evaluate

To determine OSHA recordability, employers should assess:

Whether the employee was performing work duties
If the injury was caused or influenced by the work environment
Whether the activity benefited the employer
If the employee had deviated for personal reasons

Careful evaluation of these factors ensures accurate and compliant recordkeeping.

It All Comes Down To

OSHA recordability is determined not by location, but by whether the injury is work-related. While remote work and travel introduce gray areas, the key lies in evaluating the connection between the injury and the employee’s job duties. By understanding OSHA guidelines and applying them consistently, employers can confidently navigate these scenarios and remain compliant.