Injury Suffered in Employer’s Gym Not Covered by Workers’ Comp

During his lunch break, a worker was injured while working out at a staff gym provided by the employer and located on its premises. His workers’ comp claim was originally approved and then denied. He appealed. The Appeals Commission ruled that the injury wasn’t covered by workers’ comp. The employer didn’t require workers in this worker’s position to maintain designated levels of physical fitness. In addition, he wasn’t required to stay in shape as a specific condition of his employment. And the activity he was engaged in when he was hurt wasn’t compulsory [Decision No: 2012-516, [2012] CanLII 31503 (AB WCAC), June 7, 2012].