Case studies

Warning could have prevented injury

Fetu v Northern Iron and Brass Foundry [2013] QDC 330. Worker suffered a shoulder injury when he was working in a primer booth as a spray painter.

Goldsteins Bakery

Goldsteins Bakery participated in IPaM and as a result, their WorkCover claims experience is now better than others in in their industry and improved communication and engagement between employers and management, a strategy learnt from the program, has resulted in significant benefits for the business.

Shred-X: Developing a national safety plan

Shred-X Document Destruction (Shred-X) provides secure destruction services, from paper shredding to digital media destruction. Shred-X services thousands of commercial sites and households across South-East Queensland on a weekly basis. Trucks regularly visit Bundaberg, Gladstone, Rockhampton, Toowoomba, Emerald and northern New South Wales.

Credibility suffers from highly inflated claim

Test v Forgacs Engineering Pty Ltd [2012] QDC 318, 24 October 2012. This case was decided on credibility, where the evidence of the defendant’s witnesses was preferred to that of the Plaintiff.

Injured TV show contestant found to be a ‘worker’

The New South Wales Workers’ Compensation Commission found that an injured reality TV show contestant was a ‘worker’ for the purposes of workers’ compensation.

Plaintiff unsuccessful in proving liability in prison assault

Eastment v State of Queensland [2018] QCA 253 – Court of Appeal Brisbane The plaintiff, a former correctional officer, was assaulted by a prisoner on 8 March 2009. The plaintiff developed a significant psychiatric injury as a result of the event. Quantum was agreed and the matter proceeded as a liability only trial.

Employer not liable where Plaintiff failed to perform work in the manner instructed

In November 2006, the plaintiff suffered an injury to both his left hand and arm and developed a secondary psychological injury. He commenced a claim against his former employer for damages and received a gross settlement figure of $475,000.00 in October 2008.