In the case of Carey-Schofield v Hays & Civeo [2024] QSC 60, Aaron Phillip Carey-Schofield, the plaintiff, filed a negligence suit against Hays Specialist Recruitment (Australia) Pty Ltd ("Hays"), the first defendant, and Civeo Pty Ltd, the second defendant. The case originated from a workplace injury sustained by the plaintiff on 24 February 2019 while he was employed by Hays and labour-hired to Civeo. The injury occurred when the plaintiff tripped over a garbage bag at Civeo's accommodation village in Dysart after being startled by a wasp.
The Court examined whether the defendants were liable for the plaintiff’s injuries, quantifying both the damage and the appropriate damages for past and future economic loss, medical expenses, and domestic assistance. It was found that Hays owed a non-delegable duty of care to the plaintiff and that Civeo's system of work created foreseeable risks of injury. The defendants were held to be jointly liable, with Hays bearing 25% responsibility and Civeo 75%.
The Court awarded the plaintiff a total of $503,595.51 from Hays and $873,014.08 from Civeo, which included general damages, past and future economic loss, and special damages, among other claims. Costs were also awarded to the plaintiff, with Hays and Civeo responsible for their respective shares.