A mining giant has been asked to dig deep for a coal incident in Central Queensland’s Bowen Basin.
Glen Perkins wants a Glencore subsidiary to pay $1.9 million in compensation for his suffering at the Oaky Creek Coal Mine in Lilyvale, 300km northwest of Rockhampton.
The former employee claims he struck a large pothole while operating an underground loader on 25 July 2019. The force allegedly threw him upwards, “landing heavily” back in the seat. This is blamed for causing soft tissue in his lumbar spine and aggravating his pre-existing degenerative changes. The 58-year-old victim has not returned to work since.
Hall Payne Lawyers, which is acting for Perkins, believes the employer was responsible for maintaining mine roads to an “acceptable standard” under the state’s Coal Mining Safety and Health Act.
“[Perkins] suffered permanent partial disability and incapacity,” legal advisors said in a statement of claim submitted to Rockhampton Supreme Court on 17 December 2022.
Hall Payne revealed its client previously earned $2276 a week, and could be compensated $1,083,603.60 in lost wages plus superannuation.
Further damages include medical, hospital, rehabilitation, health insurance, pharmaceutical and travel expenses.
The employer did not file a defence at the time of publication.
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