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Q191 - Newt

Question: 

During a bring your pet to work day, one employee brought a pet newt to the office. Another employee later swallowed the newt on a dare from his coworkers, unaware that the newt's skin produced a potent toxin that could kill him. He died later that day from pulmonary arrest. Is it recordable?

Answer:

YES. There are no exceptions for injuries caused by animals (even pets) at work. 

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1904.5(a) You must consider an injury or illness to be work-related if an event or exposure in the work environment either caused or contributed to the resulting condition or significantly aggravated a pre-existing injury or illness. Work-relatedness is presumed for injuries and illnesses resulting from events or exposures occurring in the work environment, unless an exception in §1904.5(b)(2) specifically applies

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1904.7(b)(7) What is a "significant" diagnosed injury or illness that is recordable under the general criteria even if it does not result in death, days away from work, restricted work or job transfer, medical treatment beyond first aid, or loss of consciousness? Work-related cases involving cancer, chronic irreversible disease, a fractured or cracked bone, or a punctured eardrum must always be recorded under the general criteria at the time of diagnosis by a physician or other licensed health care professional.

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How to Report a Fatality

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