Work-RISQS case definition guide

Work-RISQS Operational Guidelines for Determination of Injury at Work

Injuries and illnesses treated in hospital emergency departments are assessed for work-relatedness by using the guidelines outlined below.
In this system, indication in the emergency department record of a Workers' Compensation claim is sufficient to identify that the case is work-related. However, a Workers' Compensation claim or employer insurance provider is not required if other information in the record describes an injury or illness that meets the guidelines below.
Available information with regard to location and activity at time of injury is included in the assessment. For example, if the location is a farm, a work-related injury is suspected and evaluated per the criteria below.

CRITERIA INJURY AT WORK

On Employer Premises YES NO

Engaged in work activity, apprentice, vocational training

On break, in hallways, rest room, cafeteria, storage area

In employer parking lots while working, arriving, or leaving

Engaged in recreational activities on employer controlled facilities (games, etc.) for personal enjoyment

As a visitor for non-work purposes, not on official business

Off Employer Premises YES NO

Working for pay or compensation, including at home

Working as a volunteer EMS, firefighter, law enforcement officer, healthcare worker, or for other organized volunteer group

Working in a family business, including family farm. Activity should be clearly related to a profit- or production-oriented business. Cases are not restricted by age.

Traveling on business, including to and from customer/business contacts

Engaged in work activity where vehicle is considered the work environment (e.g., taxi driver, truck driver, etc.)

Homemaker working at homemaking activities

Working for self—non profit, i.e., mowing lawn, repairing own roof, hobby, or recreation activities

Student engaged in school activities

Operating vehicle (personal or commercial) for non-work purposes

Commuting to or from work site

These guidelines are similar to injury at work guidelines that were developed jointly by: The Association for Vital Records and Health Statistics (AVRHS), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the National Center for Health Statistics, (NCHS), and the National Center for Environmental Health and Injury Control (NCEHIC), March 30, 1992.

CRITERIA	INJURY AT WORK
*On Employer Premises*	YES	NO
Engaged in work activity, apprentice, vocational training
On break, in hallways, rest room, cafeteria, storage area
In employer parking lots while working, arriving, or leaving
Engaged in recreational activities on employer controlled facilities (games, etc.) for personal enjoyment
As a visitor for non-work purposes, not on official business
*Off Employer Premises*	YES	NO
Working for pay or compensation, including at home
Working as a volunteer EMS, firefighter, law enforcement officer, healthcare worker, or for other organized volunteer group
Working in a family business, including family farm. Activity should be clearly related to a profit- or production-oriented business. Cases are not restricted by age.
Traveling on business, including to and from customer/business contacts
Engaged in work activity where vehicle is considered the work environment (e.g., taxi driver, truck driver, etc.)
Homemaker working at homemaking activities
Working for self—non profit, i.e., mowing lawn, repairing own roof, hobby, or recreation activities
Student engaged in school activities
Operating vehicle (personal or commercial) for non-work purposes
Commuting to or from work site