What is the going and coming rule on workplace injuries?

The going and coming rule precludes compensation for injuries suffered during a local commute to or from a fixed place of business at fixed hours absent special or extraordinary circumstances. (Hinojosa v. Workmen's Comp. Appeals Bd. (1972) 8 Cal.3d 150, 157, 104 Cal.Rptr. 456, 501 P.2d 1176.) The rule, however, is subject to many exceptions. (Dimmig v. Workmen's Comp. Appeals Bd. (1972) 6 Cal.3d 860, 866, 101 Cal.Rptr. 105, 495 P.2d 433.)

Among the various exceptions to the going and coming rule is the special mission or special errand exception. (Hinojosa v. Workmen's Comp. Appeals Bd., supra, 8 Cal.3d at p. 159, 104 Cal.Rptr. 456, 501 P.2d 1176.) " 'An injury suffered by an employee during his regular commute is compensable if he was also performing a special mission for his employer.' [Citation.] The employee's conduct is 'special' if it is 'extraordinary in relation to routine duties,

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