Italian woman awarded compensation after breaking ankle while working from home

The Guardian World

by Angela Giuffrida in Rome

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

An Italian woman has made history after successfully receiving compensation for an injury sustained while working from home. During a Zoom meeting in April 2022, the University of Padua employee fractured her ankle in two places when she fell after standing to fetch documents. The injury required surgery and over four months of treatment. This groundbreaking ruling marks the first time such an incident has been recognized as work-related in Italy, setting a precedent for workers’ rights in the remote work era. The case highlights the growing need for employers to prioritize workplace safety even when employees are working from home. While traditional office environments have established protocols for safety, the rise of remote work has introduced new challenges, such as ergonomic risks and the potential for accidents within personal spaces. In this instance, the court ruled that the employer should have ensured the woman’s workspace was safe, particularly since she was actively participating in a professional obligation—her Zoom meeting. This ruling is significant not only for Italy but for the global workforce navigating the complexities of remote work. It underscores the importance of recognizing that injuries sustained while performing job-related tasks at home are just as valid as those occurring in traditional office settings. The case also raises awareness about the need for employers to adapt their safety measures to accommodate remote workers, ensuring they have access to safe and ergonomic work environments. For readers interested in world news and labor rights, this story illustrates how legal systems are adapting to the evolving nature of employment. As more companies embrace hybrid or fully remote work models, cases like these will likely become more common. The outcome in Italy serves as a reminder that workers’ rights extend beyond the physical office and demand employers take proactive steps to protect their employees’ well-being, no matter where they’re working from.

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/26/2026