When must the last exposure to disease-causing conditions occur to be covered under workers' compensation?

To be covered under workers' compensation, it is essential that the last exposure to the disease-causing conditions occurs during the policy period. This requirement ensures that there is a direct link between the workplace exposure and the illness for which the employee is seeking compensation. When the exposure takes place within the timeframe of the employer's workers' compensation coverage, it supports the claim that the disease was caused by the work environment.

If the exposure were to occur before the policy period or after filing a claim, it would not be eligible for benefits as there would be no assurance that the employer's insurance is responsible for the incident. Similarly, the timing related to the employment period or the reporting of exposure is not relevant if the conditions of the policy do not encompass the time when the exposure happened.