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Company Outing BG: Accident Insurance – What Companies Really Need to Know!
Planning an unforgettable company outing without neglecting insurance coverage? Statutory accident insurance does not automatically apply. Find out now what conditions must be met to ensure your employees are optimally protected. Need assistance with planning and executing a legally compliant company outing? Contact us for a non-binding consultation.
The topic, briefly and concisely
A legally compliant company outing requires the active involvement of the company management and must be open to all employees to ensure statutory accident insurance coverage.
The focus must be on promoting a sense of community rather than individual pleasures. This can increase employee satisfaction by up to 1.5 points on a scale of 1-10.
Clear communication of conditions and thorough documentation are essential to be able to prove insurance coverage in the event of a claim and minimise legal risks.
Find out when your employees are insured against accidents during a company outing and what criteria need to be met. Avoid liability risks and ensure a safe company outing!
A company outing is an excellent way to boost team spirit and strengthen employee retention. However, what many companies are unaware of: for your employees to be legally insured against accidents during such an outing, certain criteria must be met. As your partner for unforgettable travel experiences, we at GoTuro want to provide you with exciting outings while also helping you keep all legal aspects in mind. A well-planned company outing with accident insurance considers both the joy of shared experiences and the safety of your employees.
What is a company outing and why is insurance coverage important?
A company outing primarily aims to promote team spirit and employee retention. It differs from purely recreational events or incentive trips by focusing on shared experiences and strengthening relationships among colleagues. The role of statutory accident insurance is crucial as it protects employees from the financial consequences of accidents that can occur during the company outing. As an employer, you are responsible for knowing and adhering to the legal framework to secure your employees in the best possible way. The BGRCI provides comprehensive information on this.
Overview of the key criteria for insurance coverage
The Federal Social Court has established four key criteria for insurance coverage of company outings, often referred to as the four pillars: employer reference (official invitation by company management), company reference (promotion of social interaction), employee reference (open to all employees), and community reference (strengthening the sense of community). If any of these criteria are missing, statutory accident insurance may not apply. Therefore, it is important that you, as a company, take these aspects into account when planning and executing your company outing. The IHK Rhein-Neckar provides detailed information on these criteria.
Accident Insurance: Setting the Right Course
For your employees to be covered by the protection of the statutory accident insurance during the company outing, it is crucial that the event is initiated and actively promoted by the company management. Merely approving the outing is not enough; the management level must actively participate and emphasize the importance of the outing for team spirit and employee retention. The VBG also stresses the importance of active involvement by the company management.
Initiation and Approval by Company Management
The company management must actively support and promote the company outing rather than just formally approve it. This demonstrates that the outing is considered an important part of the corporate culture. Department heads can also act in agreement with the company management to ensure insurance coverage. It is advisable to document the approval of the company outing in writing to have proof in the event of damage. According to Haufe.de, the active promotion by the company management is crucial.
Eligibility for All Employees
The company outing must generally be open to all employees or at least a clearly defined subgroup of the company. There should be no restriction to specific interest groups or top performers. Exceptions are only conceivable for events with unreasonable risks for individual employees. Participation in the company outing must always be voluntary; no compulsion should be applied. The BGHW points out that insurance coverage is only provided when participation is voluntary.
Promoting Team Spirit as the Main Purpose
The main purpose of the company outing must be to promote team spirit and not personal enjoyment or rewards. The focus should be on strengthening team spirit through shared activities and experiences. Incentive trips and pure reward events are generally not covered by the statutory accident insurance, as they primarily benefit individuals rather than strengthen the corporate community. Schmid Lawyer Ulm emphasizes that the focus must be on team promotion.
Presence or Representation of Company Management
During the company outing, the company management should either be personally present or represented by an appointee. This serves to ensure supervision and organization, as well as the clear definition of the start and end of the event. The management is responsible for setting the program and the framework conditions. The BGETEM makes the presence of the management a condition for insurance coverage.
Accident Protection: These Activities Are Covered
The insurance coverage during a company outing extends to joint activities that are open to all participants, such as meals or sightseeing. Preparatory activities that are directly related to the company outing are also covered. However, private activities such as shopping trips or selective competitions are not included. Likewise, activities after the official end of the event are not insured if there is no involvement of the company management. It is important to inform your employees about these details to avoid misunderstandings.
Insured and uninsured activities
Joint activities open to all participants, such as a shared meal or cultural visits, are generally covered by the statutory accident insurance. Preparatory activities directly related to the company outing also fall under the insurance coverage. However, private activities like individual shopping trips or athletic competitions of a selective nature are not insured. Activities after the official end of the event are also not insured unless company management is still involved. The UKH provides clear guidance on this.
The journey to and from the company outing
The direct journey to and from the company outing is generally insured. However, unnecessary detours for private errands must not be taken. The insurance coverage ends if the journey home is significantly delayed, for example by more than two hours. The use of private cars is generally covered, but increased diligence is required of drivers. Ihre-Vorsorge.de emphasises the importance of the direct route.
Alcohol consumption and its impact on insurance coverage
Moderate alcohol consumption during the company outing is generally harmless to insurance coverage. However, gross negligence and intoxication can lead to insurance coverage being voided. As an employer, you have the responsibility to inform your employees about the risks of alcohol consumption and to promote responsible behaviour. It is advisable to establish clear guidelines for alcohol consumption during the company outing. The BGHW points out that excessive alcohol consumption jeopardises insurance coverage.
Insurance Coverage: Special Cases and Exceptions in Focus
Even though a company outing is fundamentally covered by insurance, there are some special cases and exceptions that you, as an employer, should be aware of. For instance, company outings for individual departments are only insured if they have been approved by the company management and participation is open to all employees of the department. Events with external participants such as family or friends are generally not insured. Sporting activities and competitions are only covered under specific conditions. It is important to know these details to ensure the insurance of your employees.
Company outings for individual departments
Company outings for individual departments are only protected by the statutory accident insurance if they have been approved by the company management and the department heads act in agreement with the company management. Moreover, participation must be open to all employees of the department. This ensures that the company outing is regarded as part of the company culture and not merely as a leisure event for individual employees. The BGETEM emphasises the necessity of approval by the company management.
Events with external participants (family, friends)
If you invite external participants such as family or friends to your company outing, it should be noted that they are not covered by statutory accident insurance. The insurance is exclusively limited to the company's employees. It is advisable to specifically inform external participants of this situation and, if necessary, recommend a private accident insurance. The VBG explicitly points out that the insurance is limited to employees.
Sporting activities and competitions
Sporting activities aimed at stress management and conducted regularly may potentially be covered by the statutory accident insurance. However, this requires an organisational link to the company, such as the provision of sports facilities or the establishment of fixed training times. Competitions are generally not insured unless they are team-building activities with a low competitive character. The UKH clearly distinguishes between sport for stress management and competitions.
Accidents due to one's own fault
If an accident during the company outing is caused by gross negligence on the part of an employee, this may affect the insurance. An example would be the disregard of safety regulations. It is therefore important that you remind your employees to comply with safety precautions and make them aware of possible dangers. The BGHW emphasises that gross negligence can jeopardise the insurance.
Company Outing: How to Ensure Insurance Coverage
To ensure insurance coverage for your employees during a company outing BG, careful planning and organisation are essential. Clearly inform your employees about the conditions, especially the insured and non-insured activities. Document the event in writing, for instance, through an invitation, a programme, and a participant list. When planning, consider safety aspects and choose appropriate activities that do not pose unreasonable risks. As company management, you should also set an example and promote responsible consumption of alcohol.
Clear Communication of Conditions
Provide your employees with comprehensive information about the conditions of the company outing, particularly the insured and non-insured activities. Highlight the importance of the direct journey to and from the event and educate them on the consequences of alcohol misuse. Clear communication helps to avoid misunderstandings and raises awareness of the risks. The VBG recommends clear and understandable communication of the conditions.
Written Documentation of the Event
Document the company outing in writing, for example, through an invitation, a detailed programme, and a complete participant list. This documentation serves as evidence in case of an incident and can help you meet your duty of care. Keep the documentation carefully and make it accessible to the occupational safety authority if necessary. The BGHW may require documentation in the event of an incident.
Careful Planning and Organisation
When planning the company outing, consider safety aspects and conduct a risk assessment. Identify potential risks and develop measures to minimise them. Choose suitable activities that do not pose unreasonable risks and respect the capabilities and needs of all participants. Careful planning and organisation significantly contribute to the safety and success of the company outing. The Haufe.de emphasises the importance of risk assessment.
Role Model Function of Company Management
As company management, be a role model and promote a responsible approach to alcohol consumption during the company outing. Highlight the risks of alcohol misuse and set clear boundaries. Create a safe and healthy environment where your employees feel comfortable and act responsibly. The BGETEM sees the role model function of company management as an important factor for safety.
Accident happened: How to act correctly
Despite all precautions, an office outing can result in an accident. In such a case, it is important for you as an employer to act correctly to support the affected employees as best as possible and to fulfil your legal obligations. Provide immediate assistance at the scene of the accident, document the accident thoroughly, and report it in a timely manner to the employer's liability insurance association. Assist the affected employees in asserting their claims and offer them advice and support.
Immediate Measures at the Accident Scene
Provide first aid immediately at the scene of the accident and, if necessary, make an emergency call to ensure the injured person receives medical attention. Ensure the accident site is secured to prevent further dangers. Document the accident site and injuries to be able to create a detailed accident report later. The BGHW provides guidance on immediate measures at the accident scene.
Documentation of the Accident
Prepare a detailed accident report, accurately describing the course of the accident and the injuries. List the names of the people involved and witnesses, and document all relevant circumstances. The accident report serves as a basis for reporting to the employers' liability insurance association and can serve as evidence in the event of legal disputes. The VBG recommends careful documentation of the accident.
Reporting to the Employers' Liability Insurance Association
Report the workplace accident to the responsible employers' liability insurance association within the deadline. Provide all relevant information, such as the course of the accident, the injuries, and the people involved. The employers' liability insurance association will investigate the accident and decide on the granting of benefits. The BGETEM informs about the reporting obligations for workplace accidents.
Supporting Affected Employees
Support the affected employees in asserting their claims with the employers' liability insurance association. Offer them advice and assistance with claiming benefits and help them to assert their rights. Show your employees that you care about them and will not leave them alone in this difficult situation. Haufe.de emphasises the importance of supporting affected employees.
Case Law: What You Need to Know About Judgments
The legal rulings on company outings and insurance coverage are dynamic and subject to constant change. As an employer, it is therefore important that you stay informed about the current legal situation and are aware of the relevant judgments of the Federal Social Court. These judgments provide insight into the interpretation of the criteria for insurance coverage and assist you in making legally sound decisions. The guidelines of the employers' liability insurance associations are also regularly adjusted to new risks and challenges. Stay up-to-date to offer your employees the best possible protection.
Overview of relevant judgments of the Federal Social Court
The judgments of the Federal Social Court (BSG) are essential for the interpretation of the criteria for insurance coverage during company outings. In numerous decisions, the BSG has clarified the requirements regarding the employer connection, the company connection, the employee connection, and the community connection. It is crucial to know these judgments to correctly assess the legal situation. The BGHW highlights the significance of the BSG judgments.
Changes in the guidelines of the employers' liability insurance associations
The employers' liability insurance associations regularly adapt their guidelines to new risks and challenges. This may involve, for example, the introduction of new preventive measures or the adjustment of the requirements for insurance coverage. It is therefore important to be familiar with the current guidelines of the relevant insurance association and consider them when planning and conducting company outings. The VBG provides information on current changes in their guidelines.
Outlook on future developments
Digitalisation and new working modalities also present new challenges for insurance coverage during company outings. It is anticipated that both the legal rulings and the guidelines of the employers' liability insurance associations will need to be adjusted to reflect the changed working conditions. This includes the question of how insurance coverage can be ensured during virtual company outings or for activities in home offices. It remains to be seen how the legal situation will develop in the future. Haufe.de offers an outlook on future developments.
Strengthen employee retention: Organise company outings in a legally secure manner
Company outings are a valuable tool for employee retention and strengthening corporate culture. By adhering to the criteria for insurance coverage and ensuring careful planning and organisation, you can offer your employees unforgettable experiences while fulfilling your legal obligations. Invest in your employees' satisfaction and promote an open communication culture where workplace safety and health are paramount. With GoTuro, you have a partner by your side who supports you in planning and executing your company outings and helps you keep all legal aspects in view.
Summary of the main points
Adhering to the criteria for insurance coverage is crucial to protect your employees from the financial consequences of accidents during a company outing. Careful planning and organisation are essential to ensure the safety and health of your employees. Clearly inform your staff about the framework conditions and lead by example as company management. The BGHW summarises the key points.
Company outings as an investment in employee satisfaction
Company outings are an investment in employee satisfaction and the strengthening of team spirit. They boost motivation and willingness to perform, contributing to a positive corporate culture. By carefully planning and organising your company outings, you can offer your employees unforgettable experiences while fulfilling your legal obligations. You can find the suitable teambuilding activities with us.
Call to employers and employees
Employers and employees share a joint responsibility for workplace safety and health. Foster a culture of open communication where concerns and suggestions can be addressed openly. Work together to create a safe and healthy environment where everyone feels comfortable and can realise their full potential. Haufe.de emphasises the shared responsibility of employers and employees.
Travel safely: Plan a company outing with GoTuro
More useful links
The BGRCI provides comprehensive information about statutory accident insurance cover for company events.
The IHK Rhein-Neckar details the criteria for insurance cover during company outings.
The VBG emphasises the importance of active participation of the company's management in the company outing for insurance cover.
The BGHW points out that insurance cover is only provided if participation in the company outing is voluntary and that excessive alcohol consumption jeopardises this.
The BGETEM makes the presence of the management a condition for insurance cover during company outings.
The UKH provides clear guidance on insured and non-insured activities during a company party.
FAQ
What are the key criteria for a company outing to be covered by statutory accident insurance?
The key criteria are: employer involvement (initiative by company management), company-related (promoting social interaction), employee-related (open to all employees) and community-related (strengthening team spirit). If any of these criteria are missing, statutory accident insurance coverage may not apply.
Does the company management need to be personally present for the insurance to cover the event?
The company management should either be personally present or represented by a delegate. This ensures supervision and organization, as well as a clear definition of the start and end of the event.
Are activities after the official end of the company outing covered by insurance?
Activities after the official end of the event are generally not insured, unless company management remains involved.
Are outings of individual departments covered by insurance?
Outings of individual departments are only protected by statutory accident insurance if they are approved by company management and open to all members of the department.
What happens if an employee has an accident due to intoxication during the company outing?
Gross negligence and intoxication can result in the loss of insurance coverage. As an employer, you are responsible for informing your employees about the risks of alcohol consumption and promoting responsible behaviour.
Are the journeys to and from the company outing insured?
The direct journey to and from the company outing is generally insured. However, unnecessary detours for private errands should be avoided.
Are external participants such as family or friends protected by statutory accident insurance?
If you invite external participants such as family or friends to your company outing, note that they are not protected by statutory accident insurance. The insurance cover is strictly limited to the company's employees.
What role does documenting the company outing play in insurance coverage?
Document the company outing in writing, for example, through an invitation, a detailed programme, and a complete list of participants. This documentation serves as evidence in the event of a claim and can help you meet your duty of care.
