This meddlesome policy is clearly an unconstitutional overreach by the federal government that could spell the end of telecommuting for millions of workers. The ability to work at home is a private agreement between employer and employee.
Employers allow telecommuting because it is in their interests to do so.
Allowing employees to work at home decreases overhead costs and can improve productivity and employee morale. If telecommuting were not mutually beneficial, it never would have gotten off the ground as an alternative to traditional working arrangements. With an OSHA determination that employers are responsible for home work sites, employers will be reluctant to allow telecommuting. Insurance rates will force companies to cancel telecommuting arrangements with employees. Very few, if any, companies will be willing to take on the responsibility for working conditions in places they cannot reasonably control.