There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, unfortunately. With the rising number of home office workers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have included their stance as part of their regulations. They state that “OSHA will not hold employers liable for employees’ home offices, and does not expect employers to inspect the home offices of their employees.” (VII Policy for Home Offices at the CPL 02-00-125 directive.
However, the situation is a little different for home-based manufacturing working environments. OSHA state that: “OSHA will only conduct inspections of other home-based worksites, such as home manufacturing operations, when OSHA receives a complaint or referral that indicates that a violation of a safety or health standard exists that threatens physical harm, or that an imminent danger exists, including reports of a work-related fatality.” (CPL 02-00-125 directive, VIII Policy for Other Home-Based Worksites). What is included in home office accident insurance, therefore, depends on the type of work you’re doing from home.
What can be said, however, is that even though OSHA will not inspect home environments, your employer is still responsible for ensuring you can work safely within your home. Questions you should ask yourself include whether you have a dedicated workspace, and if you can demonstrate that this is where you work regularly. If you have an accident during working hours but this occurred outside of your home, and you normally work at a desk, it may be difficult to justify your claim.