Are injuries sustained while commuting to or from work typically covered by WC?

Are injuries sustained while commuting to or from work typically covered by WC?

• A. Usually not, unless exceptions apply (e.g., on a special assignment).
• B. Always covered.
• C. Covered only if on a business trip.
• D. Covered only if after hours.

Answer: (A)

In workers compensation, injuries that happen during ordinary commuting to or from work are generally not covered because the trip is considered personal, not part of performing job duties. The rule allows for coverage only if an exception applies—most commonly when the travel is tied to the employer’s business or a special assignment that requires the employee to be away from the usual workplace. So, injuries during the commute are usually excluded, but if the employee is on a special assignment or traveling as part of job duties, they can be covered. That’s why the best answer states “usually not, unless exceptions apply (e.g., on a special assignment).” The other options imply blanket coverage or limit coverage to unrelated scenarios, which don’t fit the standard going-to-and-from-work rule.

In workers compensation, injuries that happen during ordinary commuting to or from work are generally not covered because the trip is considered personal, not part of performing job duties. The rule allows for coverage only if an exception applies—most commonly when the travel is tied to the employer’s business or a special assignment that requires the employee to be away from the usual workplace. So, injuries during the commute are usually excluded, but if the employee is on a special assignment or traveling as part of job duties, they can be covered. That’s why the best answer states “usually not, unless exceptions apply (e.g., on a special assignment).” The other options imply blanket coverage or limit coverage to unrelated scenarios, which don’t fit the standard going-to-and-from-work rule.