Accident at Company Social Event Does Not Give Rise to Liability for Damages, TST Rules

In an article published by Consultor Jurídico, specialists examine a decision by the Fifth Panel of Brazil’s Superior Labor Court, known as the TST, which found that a company was not liable for damages arising from an accident that occurred during a corporate social event.

The case involved an injury sustained by an employee during a recreational activity held outside working hours and attended voluntarily. The TST held that the absence of compulsory participation and direct subordination meant that the incident could not be classified as a workplace accident and, consequently, that the employer could not be held liable.

The decision underscores the importance of companies adopting clear criteria when organizing corporate events, particularly regarding voluntary participation, internal communications, the safety of activities and the management of employment law risks.