Whaley v. Workmen's Compensation Appeals Board

LAZAR, J. pro tem.

*

Petition for writ of review of an opinion and decision of theWorkmen’s Compensation Appeals Board (Board) denying an award to petitioners (survivors of Ivan Victor Whaley) for decedent's death for the reason it did not occur in the course of his employment.

Facts

Decedent was employed by a newspaper publisher as a “district manager.” His duties included supervision of his crew of delivery boys; pickup of the morning newspapers and delivery of them to the boys’ homes; delivery of “missed” papers; and servicing of the route of any boy unavailable for work. He recruited boys for the crew and interviewed them at various times and places for this purpose; he transported members of the crew in connection with subscription contests. It was a job requirement that decedent have his own motor vehicle.

Decedent’s specified work schedule included a 40-hour work week—5 days at 8 hours each. Each day started at 2:30 a.m. at the plant for pickup of the day’s papers. The shift ended when no work remained to be done in connection with that morning’s deliveries, usually between 10a.m. and 11:30a.m. In the absence of a specific reason for returning to the plant, decedent could check in by phone when otherwise through and then go home or about his own business.

The employer provided office space for decedent but he could and did work on his records at home, at his own option, but without express permission or direction. Decedent was reimbursed for mileage commencing at and ending upon return to the plant. The manner of computation was not indicated for those times when there was telephone check-in to the plant. No compensation was paid in relation to work done outside the shift hours. Recruitment of the newsboys, help in subscription contests and receipt of business calls at home

[756]

were part of the work done by decedent outside of shift hours.

Decedent met his death while driving to work at 1:50 a.m. in the vehicle owned and used by him for work purposes.

Discussion

Respondent relies upon

Postal Tel. Cable Co.