Leanne Bowen files lawsuit for work at Dysart High School against the State

A former Central Queensland school cleaner claims she is no longer able to work due to a workplace injury and is suing the State.

A Central Queensland school cleaner is suing the State for $1 million for an injury which she claims was caused by the continuous use of leaf blowers and hoses and taking out heavy rubbish bags.

The State has knocked back the personal injury lawsuit, claiming in its defence filed with the court the duties were spread between other staff and the extent of the injury had been exaggerated.

Leanne Amy Bowen, 44, now lives in another area, however the lawsuit is for her work when she was employed by the Department of Education at Dysart State School and Dysart High School from 2016 to 2018.

Ms Bowen claims she had to use a leaf blower, which was heavy and produced high frequency vibrations, for 45 to 60 minutes each weekday of the term.

She also claims she emptied wheelie bins into skip bins and used hoses to wash down footpaths and buildings.

These activities allegedly caused a repetitive strain soft tissue injury and Ms Bowen has not returned to work since September 2018.

The lawsuit was filed by Chris Trevor and Associates lawyers with the Rockhampton Supreme Court for a total $1,006,697.24.

A defence was filed by Crown Solicitor, Greg Cooper.

The defence states the duration of the use of leaf blowers would depend on the requirements of each day and would vary and the operation was shared with other rostered cleaners.

The State also argues hose use would also depend on each day and the rubbish amount was not as high as Ms Bowen claimed.

As for Ms Bowen’s injury, the State claims the injury is degenerative and was not caused by her employment with the Department of Education.

A final offer has been submitted.