Transfield Pty Ltd v Fallavolita [1984] HCA 66

Transfield Pty Ltd v Fallavolita [1984] HCA 66

The majority held that reg. 73(3) was applicable because the respondent, though engaged in supervisory and peripatetic duties, was at the time engaged in his employment and exposed to the risk at a place from which he could fall more than 1.8 m. Therefore, the employer was in breach of its duty under the regulation, and the Court of Appeal was correct to order a new trial limited to damages.

Jurisdiction
Australia
Procedural Posture
Appeal / Final Judgment High Court
Outcome
appeal dismissed by majority
Legal Topics
['negligence' 'breach of Statutory Duty' 'construction Safety' 'workplace Safety Regulations']

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 1 Authorities cited 2 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 1
Sign in to unlock

Procedural Posture

Appeal / Final Judgment High Court

  1. 1 ['Whether the appellant was in breach of reg. 73(3) of the Construction Safety Regulations 1950 (NSW) for failing to provide means for securing the safety of a person working at a place from which he would be liable to fall more than 1.8 m' "Whether the respondent was 'working at a place' within the meaning of reg. 73(3) at the time of his fall"]

Ratio Decidendi

The majority held that reg. 73(3) was applicable because the respondent, though engaged in supervisory and peripatetic duties, was at the time engaged in his employment and exposed to the risk at a place from which he could fall more than 1.8 m. Therefore, the employer was in breach of its duty under the regulation, and the Court of Appeal was correct to order a new trial limited to damages.

Court Disposition

appeal dismissed by majority

Orders

  • ['Appeal dismissed with costs.']