Work injuries can happen anywhere, not just the office or construction site. Team building exercises, offsite training or work organised retreats may seem like a chance to get to know your colleagues better but can also lead to unexpected injuries. In Queensland, workers injured during these types of events are still entitled to compensation under the state’s workers’ compensation schemes.
Understanding your rights under Queensland’s workers compensation laws is key especially when the injury happens outside the usual workplace. Whether it’s a physical injury from an outdoor challenge or psychological injury from a team building event, workers’ compensation cover can help you get the financial support to get you back on your feet and back to work.
This guide will help you understand what you need to know about claiming compensation for a work-related injury during training or team building activities and walk you through the claims process and what you are eligible for under Queensland’s workers compensation schemes.
When are training or team building injuries covered?
Queensland’s workers compensation schemes cover injuries that occur during activities deemed to be work related. This includes training sessions, team building exercises and other events organised or authorised by an employer. But not all incidents are covered so it’s important to know when coverage applies.
To be covered by workers compensation the activity must have a clear link to your employment. For example, attending a company mandated training workshop or participating in an employer sponsored team building day is generally work related. Even injuries sustained while travelling to or from such events may be covered under the scheme.
Note that voluntary or recreational activities not sanctioned by an employer may not be work related. For example, joining an impromptu social activity after a work organised event may not be covered by workers compensation insurance.
If you’re not sure if your situation is work related speak to a legal professional who can assess your claim and advise based on Queensland’s workers compensation laws.
Injuries during training or team building
Injuries during training sessions or team building activities can happen anywhere and in many situations. While these events are meant to improve workplace skills or build team collaboration, they can also involve physical or psychological risk that leads to workers compensation claims.
Examples:
- Outdoor challenges and adventure activities: Obstacle courses, rock climbing or ropes courses can result in physical injuries such as sprains, fractures or muscle strains.
- Onsite or offsite training: Misuse of equipment, slipping on wet floors or tripping over wires are common causes of workplace injuries during these events.
- Travel related incidents: Accidents occurring while travelling to or from a training venue or team building location may also be work related.
- Psychological injuries: Stress, harassment or conflicts from poorly managed team building activities can lead to claims for psychological harm.
These injuries can occur in controlled environments like conference centres or in more unpredictable settings like outdoor retreats. Wherever or however the injury occurs workers compensation cover may provide financial support for medical treatment and lost wages if the activity is deemed work related.
Understanding the circumstances of your injury and documenting the event as soon as possible will help you determine if you are eligible to claim workers compensation.
Linking the injury to your employment
To make a successful workers compensation claim in Queensland you need to prove your injury occurred during a work-related activity. The link between the event and your employment is a key factor in determining eligibility under workers compensation schemes.
Legal requirements to prove work related injuries
- Employer authorisation: The activity must be organised, approved or required by your employer. For example, mandatory training sessions or scheduled team building activities are usually covered.
- Documentation of the event: Keep evidence such as emails, event agendas or attendance records that link the activity to your job duties.
- Medical records: Get a medical certificate or report from a GP or specialist detailing the injury or illness and the link to the activity.
Additional evidence to support your claim
- Witness statements: Colleagues or supervisors who were present can attest to the circumstances of your injury.
- Incident report: File a report with your employer as soon as possible detailing how and when the injury occurred.
- Photos or videos: Visual evidence of the event, the injury or the location where it happened can be helpful.
Reporting the incident and seeking medical treatment as soon as possible not only looks after your wellbeing but also supports your workers compensation claim. If your employer disputes the link between the injury and your work, legal advice can help you through the claims process and protect your rights.
What to do after a work-related training or team building injury
If you’ve been injured during a work-related activity, taking the right steps early will support your workers compensation claim and get you the support you need.
1. Report it straight away
Tell your employer or the event organiser as soon as possible. This is a key step as delays in reporting can complicate your workers compensation claim. Be specific about the time, location and circumstances of the injury.
2. Get medical attention
Visit a GP or medical specialist for a full assessment. Ask for a medical certificate that outlines the injury and links it to the work-related activity. This documentation is crucial for your claim.
3. Document the event
Keep records of:
- Event agenda or activity details.
- Witness names and contact details.
- Photos or videos of the location or equipment involved.
4. Make a workers compensation claim
Submit a claim form to WorkCover Queensland or your employer’s workers compensation insurer. Include all supporting documentation such as medical reports and incident details. Make sure you meet the deadlines to avoid delays or denials.
5. Follow treatment and rehabilitation
Attend all recommended medical appointments and follow treatment plans. This shows you’re committed to getting better and will support your claim for medical expenses and ongoing support.
By doing this you’ll not only look after your health but also support your claim for financial support under Queensland’s workers compensation laws. If your claim is denied or disputed, seek legal advice to protect your rights.
Team building or training injuries specific challenges
Not all injuries during training or team building activities are clear cut under Queensland workers compensation laws. These situations often involve grey areas that can make the claims process more complicated.
Grey areas of coverage
- Voluntary participation: If the activity wasn’t mandatory or directly related to your job, the injury may not be work related.
- Recreational aspects of events: Team building activities with social or recreational components, such as informal sports games or after-hours events, may not be covered by workers compensation insurance.
- Offsite or after hours: Injuries outside normal working hours or away from the normal workplace can raise questions about whether it’s covered under the scheme.
The concept of ‘reasonableness’
Queensland workers compensation authorities will often look at whether the activity was reasonable and related to your employment. Factors such as employer organisation, purpose of the event and your role in the activity can impact on the outcome of your claim.
Court decisions
In some cases, courts have found in favour of employees injured during unusual work-related activities as long as there was a clear connection to their employment. For example:
- An injury during a compulsory outdoor activity.
- Travel related incidents on the way to a training session.
If you’re having trouble proving your injury was work related, legal advice can help you clarify your situation and your claim.
Injured workers entitlements
If you’ve been injured during a work-related training or team building activity you may be entitled to compensation under Queensland’s workers compensation laws. Knowing what you’re entitled to can help you plan your recovery and get the support you need.
Types of compensation
- Medical expenses: Cover for treatments such as doctor visits, hospital stays and rehabilitation services.
- Income support payments: Weekly payments for lost wages if your injury prevents you from working.
- Lump sum payments: Compensation for permanent impairment if your injury results in long term disability.
- Rehabilitation and retraining: Financial support for programs to help you get back to work or transition to a new role.
Statutory claims vs common law claims
- Statutory claims: No fault claims lodged through WorkCover Queensland or your employer’s workers compensation insurer. These provide financial support regardless of who was at fault for the injury.
- Common law claims: These can be pursued if your injury was caused by your employer’s negligence. Common law claims can provide more compensation, but you need to prove fault.
How entitlements are determined
The workers compensation authority will assess each claim on:
- The severity of your injury or illness.
- The medical evidence from your general practitioner or specialists.
- The connection to the activity and your employment.
Knowing what you’re entitled to can help you maximise your rights under Queensland’s workers compensation laws. For complex claims or disputes, legal advice can help you protect your interests and get the best result.
Get legal advice for complex claims
If you’ve been injured during a work-related training or team building activity, navigating Queensland’s workers compensation laws can be daunting—especially if your claim is disputed or your injury has long term effects. That’s where professional advice is key.
At South East Injury Lawyers we help injured workers get the compensation they’re entitled to. Whether your claim has been denied, involves a disputed work-related connection or requires navigating complex issues like permanent impairment benefits we can guide you through the whole process.
We know the Queensland workers compensation system inside out and will do all the work for you—from gathering evidence and dealing with the insurers to getting you the maximum entitlements. So you can focus on your recovery while we focus on getting the best result for your claim.
Don’t go it alone. Contact South East Injury Lawyers today for legal advice and personal service to get you back to living.
