Causal connectivity, definition

Employee injuries or illnesses that arise out of and in the course of employment are usually considered compensable. These definition phrases have expanded such injuries and illnesses beyond the four corners of the workplace, to include work-related injuries and illnesses incurred on the highways, at various in- and out-of-town locations, and other such remote locales. These two concepts, arising out of the employment and in the course of the employment, are the basic burdens of proof for the injured employee. Most states require both. The safety and health professional is strongly advised to review the case law in his or her state to see the expansive scope of these two phrases. That is, the injury or illness must arise out of i.e., there must be a causal connection between the work and the injury or illness, and it must be in the course of the employment this relates to the time, place, and circumstances of the accident in relation to the employment (see selected case summary). The key issue is a work connection between the employment and the injury or illness. ... 

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