Airport security guard sues after injuring back by pushing bag of engine parts.

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

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

She claims it failed to heed or act on previous complaints about excessively heavy bags being brought by passengers through security.

The claims are denied.

The court heard that from time to time there were unusually heavy carry-on bags put on the conveyor, including those packed with chicken and items of gold.

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.

She told the court she twisted her back as she tried to push the bag on the conveyor before realising it was excessively heavy. It was found to have engine parts.

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

Mater Hospital consultant Eamonn Brazil told the court that while surgical intervention was not required, he hoped that with six months to a year of cognitive behavioural therapy she could get back to normal engagements.

The hearing continues.