When is an event considered an accident at work?
In a situation where an employee suffers an accident during a team-building trip, the nature of the trip is crucial .
Polish law does not formally define a "team-building trip," so the classification of an event as an accident at work depends on whether the employee's participation was mandatory and the activities undertaken were work-related. If the trip was mandated by the employer, it is considered a business trip, meaning that even recreational activities—such as a kayaking trip—may be work-related. Courts have recognized that in such cases, occupational injury protection applies even outside of official duties, provided there has been no flagrant violation of the rules that exclude this connection. A functional connection to work should be considered broadly, including the team-building portions of company trips, if they are organized and related to the purpose of the trip.
The Supreme Court's case law recognizes that a temporal and local connection between an accident and work means that the injury occurred at a time and place where the employee was performing their duties or was at the employer's disposal. Pursuant to Article 128 § 1 of the Labor Code, working time includes not only the actual performance of work but also remaining at the employer's disposal. "Ordinary activities" include activities that are part of the work process, as well as preparation and completion of work, and activities seemingly unrelated to work but justified by the nature of the employment relationship. The case law concerning accidents during team-building trips and business trips confirms that coverage also covers participation in team-building activities if they are part of a program imposed by the employer.
It is particularly important to emphasize that incidents occurring during business or corporate events, business trips, or the recreational portion of a sales meeting are considered occupational accidents. This was established, among others, by the Supreme Court judgments of August 18, 1999, reference number II UKN 86/99; October 8, 1999, reference number II UKN 545/98; and October 6, 2000, reference number II UKM 23/00.
Consequently, an accident during an organized team-building trip, such as a kayaking trip, may be considered an occupational accident, and the injured party is entitled to compensation, provided participation was mandatory and the incident was related to the purpose of the trip. If the employee breaks the employment relationship (e.g., due to intoxication), the claim may be rejected.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
The law is current as of September 3, 2025.
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