What defines a Class A mishap?

A Class A mishap is characterized by an injury that results in a fatality or permanent total disability. This definition underscores the severity of such incidents, highlighting their impact on individuals' lives and their ability to function. Essentially, these types of mishaps are considered the most serious due to their significant consequences, whether that be loss of life or a lasting disability that profoundly affects a person's quality of life and ability to work.

Other options reflect varying degrees of mishaps or injuries but do not qualify for the Class A designation. For example, while the hospitalization of three or more people indicates a serious situation, it does not equate to the permanence or fatality associated with a Class A mishap. Similarly, non-fatal injuries that result in lost time beyond the workday are serious but do not reach the threshold of a Class A incident. Lastly, property damage under $20,000, although significant, does not pertain to the human cost that defines a Class A mishap.