Work Christmas parties, EOFY celebrations, client functions and team-building days are meant to be a reward for everyone’s effort, but accidents can happen. At Law Advice, we regularly hear from NSW workers who’ve been injured at an employer-organised event and are unsure whether workers compensation applies.
When a work event injury is more likely to be covered
In NSW, the starting point is the legal test for a compensable workplace injury: the injury must arise “out of or in the course of employment”, and your employment must be a substantial contributing factor to the injury.
A Christmas party or team day can be covered even if it’s after hours or off-site, providing there is a work connection. Your claim is generally stronger when the event is clearly employer-backed, for example if:
- your employer organised the venue, invitations and schedule
- attendance was expected or strongly encouraged
- the business paid for food, drinks, activities or transport
- you were there because of your role (e.g., hosting clients, presenting awards, leading a team activity)
Common examples can include slips or falls at the venue, injuries during planned activities (sports, obstacle courses, laser tag, etc.), or incidents that occur while participating in the official program.
When a compensation claim may be disputed
Compensation is often not automatic. Insurers sometimes dispute claims where the connection to work has been broken. For example, if someone leaves the official function and is later injured at a separate “after-party”, or if the injury occurs during a clearly personal detour.
Alcohol can complicate matters too. Employers have WHS duties to manage alcohol-related risks, and SafeWork NSW notes that alcohol and other drugs can affect fitness for work and create safety risks. If intoxication or unsafe behaviour becomes central to what happened, the insurer may question the work connection or raise misconduct arguments.
What if you’re injured travelling to or from the event?
Travel is a common grey area. SIRA confirms you may be able to claim for some work-related journeys, but journey claims have specific rules and are assessed case-by-case.
The Workers Compensation Act also contains separate provisions dealing with journey claims (including requirements around the connection between employment and the incident).
What to do straight away
If you’re injured, get medical help first. Then:
- Report it to your employer as soon as possible and keep a record of who you told and when.
- Document the work connection: the invite, emails, agenda, photos, witnesses, and any messages about attendance/transport.
- See your doctor and ask for the right certificate/documentation for the claim process.
SIRA’s worker guidance sets out practical next steps after an injury, and it also states employers must report injuries to their insurer within 48 hours of becoming aware of them.
When a trusted workers compensation lawyer can help
If your claim is denied, delayed, or you’re being told “it wasn’t really work-related”, getting advice early can make a real difference.
A trusted workers compensation lawyer can help you gather the right evidence, respond to insurer objections, and guide you through dispute pathways so you can focus on recovery.