Airport security guard sues DAA over alleged back pain

A security guard at Dublin Airport allegedly suffered a lower back injury trying to move a carry-on bag containing engine parts through an X-ray conveyor belt, the High Court heard yesterday.

Deirdre Moore (39), of Donabate, Co Dublin, is suing the Dublin Airport Authority, claiming it was negligent by failing to provide her with a safe system of work and with adequate training before the incident on March 31st, 2009.

She also claims the DAA failed to heed or act on previous complaints about excessively heavy bags being brought through the security screening area. The claims are denied.

Carry-on bags are supposed to be 10kg or less, but Ms Moore claims there was a failure to have an adequate system to restrict the weight of luggage. She also says there was a failure by the DAA to provide a sufficient number of employees in the security area.

Ms Moore told the court she twisted her back as she tried to push the bag on the conveyor before realising it was excessively heavy.

While she continued on her shift that day, she later was unable to work for a period of time and the pain became progressively worse and remains so.

The hearing continues.