Larry Triplett — ADJ7454093, ADJ628128, ADJ7454084

Larry Triplett, a heavy equipment operator, sustained cumulative trauma injuries while operating heavy machinery on several jobs. The central dispute was whether his injurious exposure constituted one continuous cumulative trauma period (July 2005 to November 2006) or two separate cumulative trauma periods separated by a 9-month break during which he did not work. The WCJ found two separate cumulative trauma injuries because the 9-month gap involved no medical treatment and no disability, breaking the continuity required to link the two exposure periods. The WCAB granted reconsideration to study the issues, then affirmed the October 26, 2021 Findings and Order, Award, adopting and incorporating the WCJ's report. Commissioner Sweeney wrote a concurring opinion distinguishing the facts from Matthews v. San Diego Chargers, emphasizing the absence of treatment or medical evidence of disability during the 9-month break.