Compensation: Occupational Twist

When an employee suffers an injury while on the job, he is entitled to financial compensation. But just when is he on the job? Or rather, when is he off it? Rarely, suggested the appellate division of the New York State Supreme Court last week, as it upheld a $55-a-week State Workmen's Compensation Board award to the widow of a man who died after a company dinner. William Chorley had been one of Koerner Ford, Inc.'s leading salesmen in the spring of 1964, which meant that he and his sales team ate steaks while the losers ate beans. It also meant conviviality and music, which prompted Chorley to do the twist. Four hours later he died of a heart attack. "Doing the twist involves strenuous exertion," understated the compensation board. And since the party and merrymaking were "in culmination of a competitive sales campaign," the injury was suffered "in the course of his employment."