Injured at a Holiday Party – Being compensated for an injury sustained at work is one thing, but what happens if you get injured during your company holiday party or family picnic? Would you be covered under workers’ compensation? The answer is…only if it’s mandatory attendance.
Are You Covered by Workers Compensation if Injured at a Holiday Party or Company Event?
Injured at a Holiday Party or Company Event? If the employer mandates the activity, an injury is probably going to be considered work-related.
For example, if your employer says everyone has to be at the company picnic or a part of the intramural basketball or baseball teams, then your participation is considered work-related, even if it’s off-hours or not on the premises.
If any part of the activity is considered optional or voluntary, then an injury will not be covered under workers’ compensation. Ultimately, the court will take into account whether the activity or event was mandated by the employer or voluntary.
Also, a situation we sometimes see is when an employer requires physical fitness standards in order to be an employee or if they sponsor some type of physical fitness activity.
For example, if police officers train in preparation for a physical fitness test and don’t pass the test, then they will no longer be employed. So, if an injury occurred while preparing, then the training will not be considered part of the job and, therefore, not covered by workers’ compensation. Again, if it’s voluntary, an injury is not going to be covered.
Travel Status
Tammy’s case is unique because she usually helps clients in our Denver office and travels here to Greeley for our holiday party. Any time throughout the year that Tammy travels to Denver, she is considered to be on “travel status.” If anything should happen to Tammy while she is on travel status, it’s most likely regarded as work-related and covered under workers’ compensation.
As you can see, getting injured at a holiday party or company picnic or participating in a company activity can be fairly complicated in terms of filing a workers’ compensation claim.
Related Information:
Fitness Tests And Worker’s Compensation: What You Should Know
Can an Employee Injured on a Holiday Receive Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
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