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What are Pennsylvania’s Rules on Horseplay, Drugs, and the Like?

03 May, 2026 Frank Ferreri

                               
Bits & Pieces

What happens in Pennsylvania if a worker's goofing off is the reason he got hurt on the job? Is the injury still compensable? As Simply Research subscribers know, the Keystone State has the following to say about such a situation.

Generally, Negligence doesn't Matter

Every employer shall be liable for compensation for personal injury to, or for the death of each employee, by an injury in the course of his employment, and such compensation shall be paid in all cases by the employer, without regard to negligence.

Self-Infliction, Illegal Activities, Drugs

No compensation shall be paid when the injury or death is intentionally self-inflicted or is caused by the employee's violation of law, including, but not limited to, the illegal use of drugs.

Intoxication

In cases where the injury or death is caused by intoxication, no compensation shall be paid if the injury or death would not have occurred but for the employe's intoxication.

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    About The Author

    • Frank Ferreri

      Frank Ferreri, M.A., J.D. covers workers' compensation legal issues. He has published books, articles, and other material on multiple areas of employment, insurance, and disability law. Frank received his master's degree from the University of South Florida and juris doctor from the University of Florida Levin College of Law. Frank encourages everyone to consider helping out the Kind Souls Foundation and Kids' Chance of America.

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