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Dancing

Dancing

Question: An employee was dancing in her office after being informed of a promotion. As a result of an overzealous twirl, she tripped and fractured her arm when it struck a desk. Is it recordable?

Answer: YES. A fractured bone is considered a significant injury and must be recorded - even if no medical treatment, restricted work or days away occurs. Lunch breaks are considered assigned working hours for injury and illness recordkeeping purposes.

1904.7(b)(7) OSHA believes that cancer, chronic irreversible diseases, fractured or cracked bones, and punctured eardrums are generally considered significant injuries and illnesses, and must be recorded at the initial diagnosis even if medical treatment or work restrictions are not recommended, or are postponed, in a particular case.

​Under Section 1904.5(b)(2)(v), an injury or illness is not work-related if it is solely the result of an employee doing personal tasks (unrelated to their employment) at the establishment outside of the employee's assigned working hours. In order for this exception to apply, the case must meet both of the stated conditions [i.e., the injury or illness must (1) be solely the result of the employee doing personal tasks (unrelated to their employment), and (2) occur outside of the employee's assigned working hours].

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