Worker's Injury While on Smoke and Sandwich Break Compensable, Court Rules

An appeal board barred payment of a claim when the worker was injured off premises and not directly furthering the interests of his employer. But the Commonwealth Court said he was protected under the "personal comfort" doctrine.

January 14, 2022 at 01:07 PM

3 minute read

Employment Law

Aleeza Furman
Litigation Reporter

An employee is entitled to payment for an injury sustained on a brief, informal trip away from the workplace for a smoke break and to get a sandwich, the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court ruled, because that time fell under the "personal comfort" doctrine.