Sydney Bus driver awarded compensation – denied access to toilet

A Sydney bus driver has been awarded compensation after an altercation with a train station attendant who refused to let him use the toilet, leaving him “extremely stressed and upset” in May 2021 in Campbelltown.

He arrived at Macarthur Station in the early hours of the morning needing “to do one and two”, but found the toilets locked as the train station attendant would not unlock the toilet doors, saying he had not had a chance to clean them.

After pleading several times, the driver turned away, and the attendant “pushed him on his back”. The attendant eventually unlocked the toilet, and the driver later completed an injury report form, describing it as “assault”.

He told the commission the incident and subsequent disciplinary meetings at work had exacerbated his anxiety and depression. The driver lodged a claim with Transdev’s worker’s compensation insurer GIO for medical expenses, being $900 for consultations with a psychologist and $3240 for future appointments, also with a psychologist.

GIO disputed the claim. The matter was heard before the commission, which this month ruled in the driver’s favour. “I am satisfied that the applicant sustained a psychological injury on May 2, 2021,” senior member Kerry Haddock said. “That injury was an aggravation of a disease, to which his employment was the main contributing factor.” She noted the driver’s supervisor described him as an “excellent worker”. “I accept that the treatment proposed is appropriate,” she said
This story will resonate with any Australians working long hours away from the home.

If you have suffered a similar incident, please talk to our expert personal injury lawyers in Brisbane & QLD now. PHOENIX LAW & ASSOCIATES run claims on a No Win-No Fee Basis. CALL US NOW +61 (07) 3180 0908 |or 1800-GET-HELP |e; info@phoenix-law.com.au |Level 16  300 Adelaide Street, Brisbane QLD.

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