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An employee didn't "engage in a frolic of her own" when she and two colleagues got into a spa bath while "significantly" intoxicated at a work Christmas party, a tribunal has ruled in awarding her compensation for an injury.

In November 2018, the Karrara Hair and Beauty Centre employee fractured her right hip when she slipped on wet tiles while getting out of a spa bath, during a social function organised and paid for by the employer.

She sought workers' compensation, but Return to Work Corporation South Australia denied liability on the basis her injury didn't arise from her employment. She subsequently appealed.

The South Australian Employment Tribunal heard the Christmas event was held over a weekend at Maison Blue Estate. Following dinner, the employee and two colleagues – all of whom were "significantly affected" by alcohol – got into a spa bath...