In the UK case of Shelbourne v Cancer Research UK, an
employee of Cancer Research UK sustained spinal injuries at a
Christmas Party in the workplace after a colleague lifted her and
accidentally dropped her on the dance floor.
The colleague in question, Mr Beilik, was a scientist employed
by Cambridge University but working under the supervision of Cancer
Research UK in one of its laboratory at the time. The employee
alleged that the employer was liable for her injuries, either
because:
- of its own negligence in organising and failing to provide
adequate supervision for the event; or
- it was vicariously liable for the actions of the
scientist.
The Court of First Instance rejected the employee's claims
and she appealed the decision to the High Court of England and
Wales, which also dismissed her appeal. This case provides a useful
analysis of the extent of the duty of care expected of employers in
the context of social events and the limitations on
