General

Yes. It is the employee's responsibility to maintain a clean, safe and productive home office environment. Depending on the requirements of the agency telework policy, a manager may ask the employee to complete a safety checklist self-certifying the home office is free from hazards.  The checklist generally provides a description of the agreed upon alternative worksite or designated work area, a self-certifying assessment of its overall safety, and if signed, assumes compliance. However, the signing of a safety checklist does not have legal standing for safety and/or liability purposes.    Government employees causing or suffering work-related injuries at the alternative worksite are covered by the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (workers’ compensation), as appropriate.  Employees should immediately report any work-related injuries and managers should immediately investigate any reports of accidents or injuries on the job.