Workers’ Compensation covers medical and other expenses if you suffer an injury or illness from work-related activities. You may wonder whether you can file a claim if you’re injured during your commute, for example when carpooling with co-workers or running errands for your boss on the way to work.
Understand the Coming and Going Rule
Workers’ Compensation laws vary by state, but in general the “coming and going rule” applies to a normal commute. Under this rule, employees who report to a permanent workplace—an office, store or factory—are typically not covered for injuries that occur on the way to or from that location because the commute is not considered work.
There are, however, common exceptions to the coming and going rule that may make a commute injury compensable. If you want to review policy options related to travel and employer-provided vehicles, see Vehicle, Commute, and Workers' Compensation Insurance.
You don’t have a permanent workplace
If your job requires travel to different job sites rather than reporting to a single permanent location, travel may be treated as part of your job duties. Injuries that occur while traveling to an assigned job site can be covered by Workers’ Compensation.
You drive a company vehicle
If your employer provides a vehicle for you to use to commute, courts and insurers may treat your commute as work-related. In such cases an injury in a company vehicle can qualify for Workers’ Compensation benefits.
Your employer covers travel expenses
If your employer explicitly reimburses commuting or travel expenses, that reimbursement can be a factor in finding the commute work-related and eligible for coverage.
Your employer mandates carpooling
If your employer requires or directs you to carpool—for example to save parking or reduce emissions—the commute may be considered part of the employment relationship and could be compensable if an injury occurs.
You do errands for your employer
If your employer asks you to perform tasks during your commute—such as stopping for supplies, delivering items, or dropping off paperwork—those activities are work-related and injuries arising during those errands are often covered.
An injury that occurs during a routine commute will often not be covered by Workers’ Compensation, but specific facts matter. Talk with your human resources representative or review policy options and claims guidance, and if you want help reviewing coverage choices, Aggressive Workers Compensation Claim and Workplace Violence Coverage can offer related information.
What You Need To Know About Safety Footwear
Whether you stand all day, operate heavy machinery, or handle chemicals, protecting your feet at work reduces injury risk and helps maintain a safer workplace.
When to wear safety footwear
Safety footwear protects against punctures, impacts, electrical hazards and compression. If you work in a hazardous environment or use heavy equipment, protective shoes are typically part of required personal protective equipment.
Available types of safety footwear
- Safety-toe - features a reinforced toe that protects against dropped objects.
- Steel insole - stabilizes the foot and helps prevent bone and joint injuries.
- Metal instep - provides a barrier against glass, nails and other sharp objects.
- Metatarsal protection - reduces injury to the upper foot and internal bones.
- Electric protection - reduces electrical shock through specially designed soles.
- Heat resistant - resists heat-related damage.
- Water resistant - repels water and helps keep feet dry.
- Nonslip - improves traction on slippery surfaces.
Where to purchase safety footwear
Your employer may set guidelines about the style or certification required and where to purchase approved footwear. If you can choose, buy from reputable specialty stores or authorized online retailers and select shoes that meet your job’s hazards and fit your feet properly.
How to fit your safety footwear
- Try on shoes in the afternoon to allow for natural swelling.
- Wear your normal work socks and any orthotics you use.
- Allow enough room for your toes because safety shoes typically do not stretch much.
- Check for a snug but comfortable fit around the heel and ankle.
- Walk around to confirm comfort and stability.
Care instructions
Inspect safety footwear daily for sole cracks, broken leather, exposed toe caps or other damage. Apply a water-resistant coating before first use if recommended and replace shoes when they show irreparable wear or after an event that could compromise protection.
Protect your feet by following employer policies and safety guidelines, and consult OSHA resources or your employer’s safety officer when choosing and maintaining protective footwear. If you need help evaluating your coverage or next steps, consider talk to an agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a car accident during my commute normally covered by Workers’ Compensation?
Generally no, a routine commute to and from a permanent workplace is not covered, but exceptions apply depending on employer rules and whether the trip involved work duties.
Does using a company car make my commute work-related?
If your employer provides or requires use of a company vehicle for commuting, that travel is more likely to be considered part of your job and may be covered.
What if my employer asks me to stop for something on the way to work?
If you perform errands or tasks for your employer during your commute, those activities are work-related and injuries that occur while performing them are often eligible for Workers’ Compensation.