Catchwords:

TORTS — negligence — labourer fell from raised wet plywood platform — whether expert evidence necessary to support finding that surface was slippery — whether primary judge erred in assessment of evidence and consequent factual findings — contributory negligence — whether worker contributorily negligent in following employer’s direction to work on wet platform

DAMAGES — assessment of damages for economic loss — whether evidence supported finding of residual earning capacity — application of principles in Malec v J C Hutton Pty Ltd (1990) 169 CLR 638; [1990] HCA 20