An accident that occurs during a company-organized trip for its employees is not considered a work-related injury

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As spring brought warm weather and blooming flowers, a textile manufacturing company organized a weekend outing for its employees in order to enrich their lives. Unfortunately, an accident occurred during the trip, resulting in one employee being injured. That same day, the company’s manager called the county’s human resources department to ask whether this situation could be considered an occupational injury Xu Feng, head of the Medical Insurance Section at the Ludong County Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, clearly replied that this situation does not constitute an occupational injury. Specifically, it is stated in the Opinions on Handling Several Issues Concerning the Implementation of the Regulations on Work-related Injury Insurance (Su Lao She Yi [2005] No. 6) that when an employer arranges or organizes for its employees to participate in cultural and sports activities, this should be considered as part of their work duties. Organizing activities such as sightseeing, trips, and vacations for employees by the employer cannot be considered as work-related reasons. It cannot be considered a work-related reason if employees use their job as an excuse to indulge in eating, drinking, and entertainment, or to engage in activities that serve the interests of their supervisors or themselves. Therefore, an accident that occurs to an employee while participating in a tour organized by the employer on the weekend does not constitute a work-related injury.