Glen Dudley vs. State of California, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Inmate Claims, State Compensation Insurance Fund

This case concerns applicant Glen Dudley's claim for workers' compensation benefits while incarcerated and performing kitchen duties. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) granted reconsideration to determine if Dudley was an "employee" under Labor Code section 3351(e) during his volunteer work in the prison kitchen. Despite the work being unpaid and applicant initially volunteering, the WCAB found the work met the definition of "assigned work" under former Rule 10021, considering the structured hours and supervised duties. Consequently, the WCAB amended the prior finding to establish Dudley as an employee for the period in question.