Injuries or illnesses are typically covered only when they "arise out of and in the course of employment." There needs to be a connection between the accident that caused the injury/illness and the scope of your employment duties. Examples of compensable injuries are those caused by the lifting heavy equipment, slipping on a wet or oily surface, defective machinery, or fires or explosions.

Kentucky workers' compensation programs preclude coverage for injuries not incurred within the scope of your employment. For example, suppose the injury is incurred at a social function on your day off, the injury is probably not a covered injury. Examine the situation closely , if you were injured while playing softball at a company sponsored picnic there may be coverage.

Illnesses which "arise out of and in the course of employment" can be covered under the workers' compensation system where the working conditions present unusual or extraordinary risks of contracting an illness. An example may be a coal miner recovering compensation for black lung disease or computer keyboard operators who develops carpal tunnel syndrome are a couple of common examples of long time exposure or repetitive injury that may be covered.

Careful inquiry into the hazards arising out of the scope of your employment can determine whether the illness is one that is common to everyday life as opposed to risk of illness that are present in your particular employment situation.

THE "COMING AND GOING" RULE
Kentucky workers' compensation systems preclude coverage for injuries sustained while an employee is commuting to and from work (hence the name "coming and going"). There are many exceptions to this rule. Inquiry as to whether the "coming and going" rule applies to your particular situation should be made before simply ruling out the possibility of coverage for an accident which occurred during your commute to or from work.