If an employee with uncontrolled diabetes faints and suffers an injury after clocking out of work, what should be the course of action regarding medical treatment?

• A. Pay for the treatment of the fracture and the diabetes
• B. Pay just for the fracture
• C. Deny the claim because it occurred after work
• D. Deny the claim because it is not work-related

Answer: (A)

In this scenario, the appropriate course of action regarding medical treatment is to cover the costs associated with both the fracture and the diabetes. This is based on the understanding that the underlying health condition, uncontrolled diabetes, may have contributed to the employee's fainting episode and subsequent injury.

Employers may carry liability for injuries that occur in relation to the employee's health issues, especially if those issues are known or could reasonably be anticipated to affect the employee's safety and performance. Therefore, covering the treatment for the fracture is essential since it's directly related to the injury sustained. Additionally, addressing the diabetes is critical as it could be deemed part of the overall medical care necessary for the employee's well-being, given the potential impact of the condition on the incident.

Employers need to approach such situations with a holistic view of the employee’s health and the implications of pre-existing conditions when evaluating claims. Recognizing the interconnectedness of health issues and work-related injuries aids in providing comprehensive support to employees.