What types of injuries are typically excluded from workers' compensation coverage?

Injuries from intoxication, self-inflicted injuries, and injuries occurring during voluntary recreational activity are typically excluded from workers' compensation coverage because these situations do not arise from the course and scope of employment.

When an employee is injured due to intoxication, it raises questions about their ability to perform their job safely and effectively, leading to exclusions in coverage. Self-inflicted injuries are also excluded since they do not result from workplace activities or conditions, indicating that the injury was not a consequence of performing job duties. Additionally, injuries sustained during voluntary recreational activities are generally not covered because these actions are not typically considered part of the work role; they occur outside the focus of the employment duties and are undertaken by the employee voluntarily without employer obligation.

Workers' compensation laws are designed to protect employees when they are injured in the course of their work duties, so exclusions help maintain a focus on job-related incidents rather than personal choices or actions that fall outside of work responsibilities.