In Australia, apparently, they let this stuff slide, so to speak. A federal policy of providing insurance for this type of injury for civil servants gives new meaning to the term "safe sex."
I'm reasonably certain that most US jurisdictions would take a firmer stance that incidents like this are not work-related, and thank goodness for that. I can only imagine what one of those GSA trips would cost under Australian rules.
We wouldn't insure a card-playing accident, either, even in Vegas.
What's the fuss? Actually, the Australian jugde would be right in most all US jurisdictions especially where a business trip is a factor.
ReplyDeleteThat would not be my experience--an injury incurred in a purely recreational activity is not covered by WC, not even in the most liberal jurisdiction (say, California). In most US jurisdictions, for an injury to be covered, it has to result from some particular risk that the employee is exposed to as a result of working for that particular employer. But if you know of a similar example, please publish it here--I'm sure we would enjoy the account.
ReplyDeleteAnd here's a link to a brief discussion on recreational activities and workers compensation. Each state is slightly different, of course, but the general principles in this blurb are correct.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.larsonkuper.com/legalArticles/Sponsored%20Activities%20and%20Worker's%20Compensation%20Liability.pdf
And here's another link that specifically deals with the traveling employee issue: http://www.irmi.com/expert/articles/2001/pocius02.aspx
ReplyDelete