Davies v Whitehaven Coal Mining Ltd [2019] NSWSC 1125

Supreme Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: Davies v Whitehaven Coal Mining Ltd [2019] NSWSC 1125 Hearing dates: 27, 28, 29, 30 May 2019 Date of orders: 30 August 2019 Decision date: 30 August 2019 Jurisdiction: Common Law Before: Wright J Decision: Verdict and judgment for the defendant. Catchwords: NEGLIGENCE – Employment – Coal miner – Workplace injury – Liability determined in accordance with common law principles – No breach of duty established – If breach established contributory negligence 30% – Later injury result of earlier injury, not separate unrelated injury Legislation Cited: Civil Liability Act 2002 (NSW) Coal Mines Health and Safety Regulation 2006 (NSW) Workers Compensation Act 1987 (NSW) Cases Cited: Birdon Marine Pty Limited v Jepp [2009] NSWCA 147 Caltex Tanker Co (Aust) Pty Ltd v Kerr [1999] NSWCA 115 Czatyrko v Edith Cowan University [2005] HCA 14; (2005) 214 ALR 349 Falco v Aiyaz; Falco v Falzon [2015] NSWCA 202 Kempsey District Hospital v Thackham (1995) 36 NSWLR 492 March v E. and M.H. Stramare Pty. Ltd (1991) 171 CLR 506; [1991] HCA 12 Nestle Australia Ld v McDougall [1998] NSWCA 158 NSW Insurance Ministerial Corporation v Sprengnagel [1995] NSWCA 315 Phillis v Daly (1988) 15 NSWLR 65 Rail Corporation New South Wales v Donald [2018] NSWCA 82 State Government Insurance Commission v Oakley (1990) Aust Torts Rep 81-003 State of NSW (NSW Police) v Nominal Defendant [2009] NSWCA 225 Vanramer Pty Ltd v Higgins (1991) 24 NSWLR 661 Wynn v NSW Insurance Ministerial Corporation (1995) 184 CLR 485; [1995] HCA 53 Wyong Shire Council v Shirt [1980] 146 CLR 40; [1980] HCA 12 Texts Cited: Glass, McHugh and Douglas, The Liability of Employers in Damages for Personal Injury, 2nd ed (1979) Category: Principal judgment Parties: Rodney John Davies (Plaintiff) Whitehaven Coal Mining Ltd (Defendant) Representation: Counsel: I Roberts SC and D Benson (Plaintiff) L King SC and T Rowles (Defendant)