A Sunshine Coast workplace incident is now at the centre of Supreme Court legal action involving one of Australia’s biggest employers.
A local worker has launched proceedings against Woolworths Group Limited after allegedly suffering serious injuries while employed as an assistant produce manager at one of the company’s stores.
According to a Statement of Claim filed in the Brisbane registry on January 12, Lyticia Freshwater was working at the Woolworths store in Caloundra in 2023 when she was handling a pallet of watermelons and attempted to break down thick cardboard used to secure the load.
The claim alleges she stepped on the stiff cardboard to fold it down when it suddenly snapped back, causing her to lose balance and fall backwards, striking her head on the concrete floor.
It goes on to allege that Woolworths failed to provide a safe system of work, properly identify or mitigate risks, and adequately train or supervise staff in carrying out the task.
Sunshine Coast News has contacted Woolworths for comment, but the company politely declined due to the matter being before the courts.
Ms Freshwater alleges the fall caused a traumatic brain injury, neurological symptoms, vestibular dysfunction and psychological injury, significantly affecting her capacity to work and manage daily life.
As a mother of three, including two children with additional needs, she said the injury had impacted every part of her life.
“I’ve been through so many stages – grief, anger and a real loss of self-worth,” she said.
“I don’t get to just go home and rest – I have children who rely on me. Trying to manage that while dealing with the injury has been incredibly hard.”
She said more than three years later she was still dealing with the fallout.
“There have been so many delays in accessing support. There were times I felt like I just wasn’t being heard, and you’re constantly having to advocate for yourself – that takes a real toll and makes it hard to move forward and heal,” she said.
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Ms Freshwater said she had worked for the company for five years and had been committed to her role before the incident.
“It felt robotic, like I was just another box to tick rather than a person who needed help,” she said of follow-up contact after the injury.
Travis Schultz & Partners lawyer Isabella Blunt, acting for Ms Freshwater, said the case highlighted how seemingly simple tasks could pose significant dangers.
“There’s a perception that workplace injuries happen in high-risk industries or dangerous occupations – but in reality, they can happen anywhere,” Ms Blunt said.
“Many serious injuries occur during routine tasks. These tasks are repeated countless times a day – but it only takes one moment for someone’s life to change.”
She said the matter also raised broader questions about how injured workers were supported through compensation systems, particularly where employers were self-insured.
“The statutory scheme is there to provide support to injured workers for their recovery and return to work, but delays in treatment approvals and inconsistent decision-making can leave injured people in limbo,” Ms Blunt said.
The legal action comes as World Day for Safety and Health at Work was marked on April 28, drawing attention to workplace injury risks across all sectors.
The matter is yet to be determined by the court, and Woolworths Group Limited have filed a notice of intention to defend in the Brisbane registry on February 9.
