There are long established precedents that hold employers responsible for injuries received by employees when acting on direction of employers. Typically, these injured employees are eligible for benefits with provincial worker's compensation plans. When eligible for these benefits, employees generally cannot sue their negligent employer.

In Jacobson v. Nike, an employee was erecting a trade show booth. The employer supplied alcohol during this early evening activity. The employee was injured when driving home intoxicated. The court ruled that Nike breached their standard of care by supplying alcohol and failing to ensure Jacobson did not drive.

When Workers Compensation denies benefits, employees may seek damages from their employers. Standard CGL wordings may not insure these actions, leaving employers uninsured.

Do any of your clients have "one for the road" with staff on Friday afternoons?