Bell v The Mining Pty Ltd: A Case Summary

The Personal Injury Commission recently issued a decision which provides clarification for those dealing with workers compensation claims where the worker has sustained both a psychological and physical injury.

From about March 2017, Brandy Bell worked full-time as a truck operator for The Mining Pty Ltd.

On 3 July 2021, Mr Bell was asked to perform a welfare check on another employee who had been on sick leave for a few days. He attended the motel where the other employee resided and, when no one answered the door, he entered the room with a key given by the motel staff. He found his colleague deceased on the floor from natural causes.

Mr Bell subsequently developed psychological symptoms as he continued at work, experiencing sleep difficulties, low mood, and anxiety.