The Case

WorkSafe VIC v Group Manufacturing Victoria Pty Ltd (2023)

Group Manufacturing Victoria manufactures and installs benchtops at private residential and commercial properties.

On 18 November 2019, two of the company’s employees were tasked with attending a site to install eight vanity benchtops. The largest benchtop weighed approximately 250–280 kilograms.

Using a utility vehicle provided by the company, the employees were tasked with transporting, unloading and installing the benchtops. The work required the employees to apply great force to lift the slabs, raise and lower them to and from varying heights, while operating in awkward, confined spaces and on uneven and slippery surfaces.