I'd like to think of this as a suicide attempt that was made to look like a stupid accident.  Otherwise, it's an example of how a dimwit tries to light his bulb.

we think the reason coverage was denied was NOT because of his stupidity in using a metal pole to take a shirt off power lines, but because he walked off the job site to do something that was not related to his work.

Workers' comp as a system insures against ALL work injuries, regardless of how stupid, in exchange for avoiding the endless costly arguments about fault.   The ruling seems to have been that this was not "on the job" - because if it was, he'd be covered.

And I think most of us see equally stupid stuff most days on the freeway.    You know, the suiciders who put their makeup on at 80 mph in the #1 lane.

...from the aspect of the act itself to the court's ruling.  Glad to see that on the rare occassion, the system does work.

Furthermore, it would be apropos if every company in Chicago (hell, for that matter the whole USA) sent out a memo stating:  Any future memos that you might receive regarding cleaning up around the workplace should be interpretted as:  "pick up the trash around your desk dipshit, and do NOT swing any metal poles at power lines".  If this is not clear to you, please turn in your resigination effective immediately.