An injury occurs during an off-site break that was customary and approved by the employer. Which statement is correct regarding reporting?

• A. The employer should have reported it because the employee reported the claim.
• B. The employer should have reported it because any injury is compensable.
• C. The employer should have reported it because the employee was receiving wages during the break.
• D. The employer should have reported it because off-premises breaks were customary and approved.

Answer: (D)

The main idea is that an injury occurring during an off-site break that the employer has approved and that is customary is still considered part of the employment relationship. Because the break is authorized and customary, the employee remains under the employer’s control during that time, so the injury arises in the course of employment. That triggers the employer’s obligation to report the incident to the workers’ compensation system.

So, reporting is required not because the employee happened to file a claim or because wages were being paid during the break, and not because “any injury is compensable.” It’s specifically because the break is approved and customary—placing the injury within the scope of employment.