A Dublin postman who claimed he injured his back when pushing a letter through a low level letterbox began proceedings in High Court for damges from the manufacturers of the door.
Mr Anthony Clabby, of Woodlawn View, Santry Dublin brought his action against Global Windows Ltd with a registered place of business at Lagan Road, Dublin Industrial Estate, Dublin. Global has joined An Post as a notice party in the proceedings.
Mr Clabby, in evidence, said that on March 27th, 1996 he was delivering mail at a house in Cooltree Park, Beaumont, Dublin and bent down on his hunkers as, he claimed, he had been shown by An Post inspector some years before, lifted the letter plate with one hand and then pushed a letter through the letterbox with the other hand.
Mr Clabby claimed that as he went to straighten up he experienced severe pain in his lower back and could not straighten up completely. He suffered pain, soreness and discomfort and general upset to his life as a result of the injuries.
Mr Paul Romeril, a forensic engineer, in evidence said the letter plate was located about two inches from the base of the door. Mr Clabby had 600 premises on his route and about 100 had low letter plates.
Mr Romeril in a report to the court stated that the dangers of low level letter boxes had long been recognised by An Post who were the prime movers behind the introduction of an Irish Standard for letter flaps. Mr Clabby had received instructions about the dangers of the low level boxes and in particular the need to go down on his hunkers when delivering.