Most on-the-job injuries are covered, regardless of fault. The workers’ compensation system is designed to provide benefits to injured workers, even if an injury is caused by the employer's carelessness or the employee's own carelessness (if the employee tripped because of clumsiness or was not paying attention while operating heavy equipment, for example). Mere carelessness or even recklessness is rarely enough to take the claim out of the realm of workers’ comp.

Coverage may be denied in situations involving self-inflicted injuries, injuries suffered while an employee is committing a crime or injuries suffered when an employee's conduct violated company policy, like a policy against drug use or drinking on the job.

(Reviewed 9-08)