Under what condition can a volunteer be deemed an employee for workers’ compensation?

Under what condition can a volunteer be deemed an employee for workers’ compensation?

• A. Because the volunteer is paid a wage.
• B. By statute.
• C. Because the organization classifies them as volunteers.
• D. If the Board of Directors declares volunteers be deemed employees in writing prior to the injury.

Answer: (D)

Volunteers aren’t employees by default for workers’ compensation, but they can be treated as employees if the organization’s governing body issues a formal, written declaration before any injury. This pre-injury written determination by the Board of Directors specifically deems the volunteers as employees for WC purposes, making them eligible for benefits if injured in the course of volunteering. Merely paying wages, being labeled a volunteer, or relying on statute alone does not create that coverage; the essential factor is the official written declaration prior to the injury.

Volunteers aren’t employees by default for workers’ compensation, but they can be treated as employees if the organization’s governing body issues a formal, written declaration before any injury. This pre-injury written determination by the Board of Directors specifically deems the volunteers as employees for WC purposes, making them eligible for benefits if injured in the course of volunteering. Merely paying wages, being labeled a volunteer, or relying on statute alone does not create that coverage; the essential factor is the official written declaration prior to the injury.