Department of Labor & Industries v. Johnson

For disciplinary reasons, the Department of Corrections assigned Charles Johnson to stay at home and perform no departmental work during his normal working hours. During this time, Johnson amputated three fingers while working on a personal project at his workbench. Johnson was awarded worker’s compensation, but the Department challenged the award. The trial court reversed, finding that Johnson was not acting in the *277course of his employment. We agree that Johnson was not acting in the course of his employment and, therefore, affirm.

FACTS

Charles Johnson was employed as a Corrections Officer at…