Data from ACC shows there have been 200,000 claims paid for people injured while working from home since early 2019.
New claims trended down from 35,896 in 2019 to 35,336 in 2021, 30,711 in 2023, and 24,309 year-to-date. Active claims peaked at almost 50,000 in 2019.
Most injuries were due to lifting and carrying (6,720 YTD), followed by loss of balance and punctures. Soft tissue injuries were most common, with fractures/dislocations (770+) and burns (~300) also reported. Injury sites included the lower back, spine, and fingers/thumbs.
Total work-from-home claims between 2019–2024 cost over $800 million. ACC lead James Whitaker noted that slips, trips, and falls are the biggest contributors to home injuries. Legal expert Jim Roberts said employers must assess and manage home-working hazards as part of their duty to ensure staff safety.
