Which condition could convert a near-work injury in a parking lot into compensable?

• A. The injury occurred purely during personal errands.
• B. The parking lot is owned by the employer and injury occurred while performing a work-related task.
• C. The injury is purely due to weather.
• D. The injury occurred during an employee's off-site meeting.

Answer: (B)

When evaluating compensability, the injury must occur in the course of employment and arise out of employment. California recognizes exceptions to the usual rule that injuries during commuting aren’t compensable, especially when the incident happens on employer-provided premises or while the employee is performing a work-related task.

In this scenario, the parking lot is owned by the employer and the injury occurred while the employee was performing a work-related task. That ties the injury directly to the job and the employer’s environment, making it compensable because the risk is connected to the employment and the mishap happened during work duties or activities tied to the job.

Personal errands, injuries due to weather, or an off-site meeting don’t establish that direct link to work duties in the employer’s premises in the same clear way, so they don’t fit as well.