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How to know: What counts as an accident at work?

Eva Weihrich, AK expert for labor law, explains what to look out for in the event of an accident at work.

(Bild: Adobe Stock, AK Stmk Krone KREATIV,)

Where there's woodwork, there are chips: accidents unfortunately happen in everyday working life. But it is not always clear what really counts as an accident at work. Employment law expert Eva Weihrich explains.

An accident at work is an accident that has occurred in connection with a professional activity. This close connection distinguishes a work accident from a private leisure or traffic accident.

However, accidents at work are not only accidents that occur in the course of work activities at the workplace, but also accidents on the way to and from work or accidents on the way from work to lunch and back. Whether it is an accident at work must always be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Accidents during company outings count
Outside of work, all accidents during company outings and parties organized by the employer or during training and work as a volunteer helper, e.g. with the volunteer fire department or the Red Cross, are considered accidents at work.

In the event of an accident at work, the employer must be informed immediately. The employer or the attending doctor or hospital must submit an accident report to the General Accident Insurance Institution (AUVA). If you have any questions, you can contact AK Steiermark.

"Gewusst wie" is a service series of the "Krone" and the Chamber of Labor.