Bunnings is being sued for more than half-a-million dollars after a shopper was crushed by a box of broom handles whilst being on the job.

Robyn Handasyde was employed by a separate company that was required to restock the shelves at a Bunnings store in Southeast Melbourne when the accident happened.

According to documents obtained by Daily Mail Australia, it is claimed that Handasyde was carrying out her duties on May 5, 2010 when a fellow Bunnings worker driving a mechanical lifting machine dropped or dislodged a heavy box of broom handles on top of her.

The box landed on Handasyde’s neck and shoulders, causing her serious injuries.

The Victorian Workers Association (VWA) has lodged a statement of claim with the Supreme Court of Victoria arguing that Bunnings has breached its duty of care to the injured worker.

The VWA barristers acting on behalf of Handasyde claim that she has been left with lifelong injuries, which left to her further breaking her ankle.

The statement of claim reads:

“The accident was caused as a result of negligence and/or breach of statutory duty of the Defendant, its servants or agents.”

A breakdown of Handasyde’s claim says that Bunnings owes her $365,227 in lost earnings since she was injured. The majority of her claim is made up of medical bills and rehabilitation.

However, VWA has issued a warning saying that the payout could be up to $503,937 if this goes to trial.

In a defence letter filed by Bunnings' legal team, the company refutes nearly all of the allegations made against it.

The company did accept that Handasyde made an injury claim on May 26, 2010.