Low-lying letter boxes in Mayo estate replaced after postman's appeal

Low-lying letter boxes installed on the front doors of 38 new houses at an estate in Castlebar have been replaced following an appeal by a local postman.

Long-serving Michael Brophy had contacted An Post management to inform them that the letter boxes was in breach of planning laws which came into effect on January 1, 2001.

Since then, low-lying letter boxes have been prohibited in order to protect postal workers from bending down so low as it is regarded as a health and safety matter due to back injuries sustained by postal staff.

Prior to the legislation coming into effect, postmen and postwomen had complained persistently about the physical strain caused by the constant bending which goes with most daily postal rounds.

A High Court compensation award of over £43,000 was made to Dublin-based postman in 1998 as a result of back injuries caused by bending to deliver through low-level letter boxes in the Rathmines and Terenure areas.

Under existing building regulations, letter boxes have to be located at least 30 inches and not more than 57 inches above the level where post delivery staff stand outside the door.

Following negotiations prompted by Mr. Brophy's appeal, it was agreed to change the position of the letter boxes on up to 38 new dwellings, work on which is now completed.

Mr. Brophy and his colleagues are delighted the matter has been resolved.