The 39-year-old had worked in the gaming room reserved for high-rollers since 2014 and was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2020,before undergoing several rounds of chemotherapy over the past two years.
Crown Resorts was allegedly aware of other staff who had suffered serious health problems as a result of their employment in the Mahogany Room,according to the court documents.
“Prior to 2017 Crown had received complaints and notifications in relation to employees suffering from lung cancer or serious lung diseases which were alleged to have been caused by exposure to cigarette and cigar smoke in the course of their employment,” the writ states.
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The health risks to Crown employees were allegedly exacerbated by poor ventilation and a lack of air-quality testing of gaming areas where smoking was permitted,according to the writ.
Nguyen said he usually worked evening shifts in the Mahogany Room,where he was constantly subjected to second-hand smoke.
“In the pokies area,almost everyone was smoking. It was the same around the tables and many people also smoking cigars. It was driving me crazy,but I didn’t really have a choice,” he said.