In the recent case of McNamara v Era Pacific Pty Ltd [2021] FCCA 1689 (23 July 2021) a crane driver refused to deliver a 10-metre steel beam because it was unsafe.

The worker had limited experience completing the tasks alone, and explained that the client’s sloping driveway also meant the task was unsafe because the crane could impact power lines or the beam could fall. Instead of investigating the complaint (as he was required to do), the Director threatened the worker – failure to do the task would result in instant dismissal.

A general protections claim was filed on the grounds that the worker had been terminated when exercising his right to refuse to perform unsafe work. There was no question that the action was taken by the Director for that very reason. Uniquely he had tried to mitigate the circumstances by offering reinstatement soon after the termination, but only if the worker accepted a warning and six-months probation.

The Court found this was not a mitigation because it was offered on different terms and conditions. The Court ordered compensation of $21,576.54 (inclusive of superannuation) and $7920.00 in penalties against both the Director and the company.