Clarke v. Coats & Clark, Inc.

This is an original petition for workmen’s compensation. The case is here on the petitioner’s appeal from a decree of the workmen’s compensation commission affirming a decree of the trial commissioner denying and dismissing the petition.

The petitioner was employed as a spinner at respondent’s mill on the night shift from 3 to 11 p.m. During those eight hours there was no specified lunch period but employees were permitted to eat during the working hours whenever they found it convenient. For this purpose respondent provided a room called the “water house” where employees were allowed to smoke…