When workplace safety fails: A taxi driver’s story

This October is WorkSafe Month which reminds us that every worker deserves to be safe — every job, every day.

During WorkSafe Month, we reflect on stories that highlight why safety must remain a priority across all workplaces – not just on construction sites or factory floors, but in every industry.

For one Victorian taxi driver, a routine night shift turned into an unimaginable ordeal that changed her life forever.

What should have been a normal shift

Mother of eight Nikkita Maggs, 34, had been driving passengers across the Bairnsdale area just before 4am in February 2024 when one of her customers allegedly sexually assaulted and violently attacked her mid-fare.

According to Ms Maggs, the man ordered her to pull over before allegedly raping her and breaking some of her front teeth.

“All I could think about was that I was going to die,” she said.

The alleged attacker then threw a $20 note at her and threatened to find out where she lived before leaving the vehicle.

Following the alleged attack, Ms Maggs reported the incident to her employer.

Instead of support, she says she was met with victim-blaming comments and a lack of accountability for workplace protection.

Her manager allegedly told her that she “wouldn’t have been raped” if she had attended self-defence classes, and later disclosed the assault to colleaguesand customers, leading to cruel and humiliating remarks about her experience.

Ms Maggs also reported that her taxi’s panic button had been disabled by the attacker, preventing her from calling for help during the incident – a critical safety feature that could have made all the difference.

Launching a workers compensation claim after the assault

Nikkita has since launched a WorkCover claim for medical expenses and compensation against 13cabs.

Arnold Thomas & Becker Lawyer Ciara Smith said:

“While no amount of compensation can undo the trauma Nikkita has endured, it is vital that we continue to advocate for a justice system where victims are supported and believed.”

The claim argues that 13cabs should have noticed her vehicle had been stationary for nearly two hours and intervened, as their systems allow live tracking of drivers for safety purposes.

The ongoing trauma

The physical and psychological toll of the assault for Nikkita has been devastating.

“I’m in constant pain. I have broken teeth that are still getting repaired. I have ongoing medical appointments,” she said.

“It has taken a big toll on my kids because I get anxious if we have to go anywhere. I’m so petrified that he’s going to come to my house.”

No amount of compensation can take away the mental trauma that Nikkita has experienced as a result of the assault. However, with Arnold Thomas & Becker’s No Win No Fee policy, the financial burden can be lifted from Nikkita while she focuses on her recovery.

How can employers ensure safety of their workers?

October’s WorkSafe Month theme, “Safety: Every Job, Every Day,” is a powerful reminder that every employer – in every industry – has a duty of care to protect their workers from harm.

For workers in roles that are often isolated, like taxi drivers and delivery staff, employers should have clear safety systems in place, including working panic alarms, GPS tracking, and support protocols for reporting violence or harassment.

No worker should ever face blame or humiliation after a workplace assault.

And no one should ever feel unsafe doing their job.

How Arnold Thomas & Becker can help

At Arnold Thomas & Becker, we are committed to supporting people who have been injured at work, regardless of the industry.

If you or someone you know has experienced violence or harassment at work, we can help.

Visit our Workers Compensation page for more information about how to make a claim, as well as some real client success stories.

Call us on 1300 333 300 or send out the form below for a confidential discussion with a lawyer today.