Rockwell International v. Workers' Compensation Appeals Board

Respondent Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) has found that respondent Duncan Haylock (hereinafter also applicant) has sustained injury to his psyche arising out of and occurring in the course of his employment for petitioner Rockwell International (hereinafter Rockwell) as a consequence of disciplinary action taken by Rockwell against applicant. The discipline was imposed for alleged misconduct by applicant while on the employment premises. Rockwell challenges the WCAB’s finding of compensability under the Workers’ Compensation Act on the reasoning that since the conduct for which applicant was disciplined was outside the course of applicant’s employment then the resulting psychiatric problems as a consequence of such discipline cannot be held compensable. For the reasons stated herein, we annul the decision of the WCAB and remand the matter for further proceedings.

I

The pertinent facts and the analysis of the WCAB are set forth in WCAB’s opinion and order granting reconsideration in pertinent part as follows: “On February 1, 1980, applicant petitioned for reconsideration of the Findings and Order of January 11, 1980, wherein it was found [by the workers’…