The answer depends on where and how the accident happens during your break (Pause):
If an injury or accident occurs during a break inside the workplace
(for example in the canteen, break room, corridors, or even in the company yard),
it is usually considered a workplace accident (Arbeitsunfall) and is covered by the statutory accident insurance (Berufsgenossenschaft),
as long as the behaviour was not clearly outside the normal frame (e.g. dangerous games, deliberate fights).
Even minor incidents (slipping, falling, etc.) in official break areas inside the company are generally covered.
If you leave the company premises during your break
(for example to go to a nearby café, home, or for a purely private errand),
the accident is usually not considered a workplace accident, but a private accident (Privatunfall)
and is normally not recognised as an insured work accident by the accident insurance.
Exception:
If you leave the workplace for a reason directly related to work
(for example to fetch tools or transport important documents on behalf of the company),
the accident may, under certain circumstances, still be classified as a workplace accident.
Slipping on the way to the toilet or the break room:
→ usually counts as a workplace accident.
Accident while going to a bakery or café during your break:
→ generally does not count as a workplace accident.
Accident in the company yard or staff car park:
→ often treated as a workplace accident.
Accident while playing rough football or engaging in risky games with colleagues during a break:
→ may be excluded if the behaviour is considered unusually dangerous.
An accident in the break on company premises will often be treated as a workplace accident and covered by statutory accident insurance.
An accident during a break outside the workplace and for purely private purposes is usually not considered a workplace accident.
Tip:
If an accident happens during your break, inform HR/Personnel and describe exactly where and how it happened, so that the insurance coverage can be assessed correctly.
The editorial team of this website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors may occur or some details may be incomplete or not fully confirmed. Please treat the information in this article as an initial point of orientation and always contact the relevant authorities and professionals for binding, up-to-date advice.
