Mine Fire excavator operator wins compensation
A Moondarra man who developed a crippling lung disease after operating an excavator being used to fight the 2014 Hazelwood mine fire has been awarded compensation after the Supreme Court found that his employer did not provide adequate respiratory protection during that period. A non-smoker, he had above average lung capacity before participating in the fire fighting operation, but after four months was struggling to breath. He now needs to use Oxygen to help his breathing.
Settlement will include a weekly payment, medical expenses and compensation for pain and suffering.