ALH’s Croxton Park Hotel in Thornbury could see a lawsuit by a former employee, seeking unspecified damages for an injury sustained in March, 2006.
The Herald Sun reports that former barmaid Bianca Elizabeth Carlesi is suing the Hotel, claiming she felt pain in her neck whilst “changing a beer tap”. It was not specified if this meant a font or keg coupling.
The pain reportedly signalled soft tissue strain in her neck and back, further resulting in anxiety and depression.
In her statement of claim Carlesi reportedly suggests the Hotel failed to instruct other employees to not call out to her or stand too close while she was performing this task. This failing presumably resulted in the injury.
She claims the operators also failed to provide a safe workplace or adequate supervision, training and instruction.
While it is suggested that the claim is for damages – excluding loss of earning or capacity – this will likely be very difficult to prove after nearly ten years. The complainant will almost certainly be called upon to establish medical confirmation and treatment for subsequent causative issues since the time of the incident.
Australian OH&S regulations on cellar and beer equipment are extensive, and as the largest pub operator in the country ALH likely maintain strict compliance with their legal obligations in these areas.
The case for Ms Carlesi is being managed by Slater & Gordon. Despite several attempts to contact them for comment, no response was received prior to publication.
Further developments as they emerge.
