Former worker sues Dunnes Stores over alleged slip on grease

A former worker with Dunnes Stores who claims she slipped on grease on the floor of one of the company's outlets, has sued in the High Court.

Sharon Byrne, the court heard, has not worked since suffering a soft tissue injury to the ankle in the accident five years ago.

At the time of the accident, Ms Byrne was a part time worker behind the deli counter at Dunnes Stores, Sleatty Road, Graiguecullen, Co Carlow.

She told the court she had to have an operation on the ankle and was unable to wear high heels after the accident.

Ms Byrne (50), Staplestown Road, Carlow, has sued Dunnes Stores over the accident on January 2nd, 2012.

She claims she fell suddenly and without warning on an alleged greasy surface on the floor at the deli counter area and hurt her ankle.

She alleges failure to provide her with a safe system of work and to place non slip mats in the delicatessen work area when it was known or expected food or other material could be on the floor.

The claims were denied and Dunnes also pleads contributory negligence on Ms Byrne’s part, alleging she failed to keep any or any adequate lookout.

Opening the case, Pat O’Connell SC, for Ms Byrne, said his side’s case was that grease leaked from a bin which was a bin liner attached to a frame in the deli work station.

Counsel said the bin liner bin was inappropriate and a rigid plate bin should have been there.

He said Ms Byrne has had ongoing problems with her ankle and is only fit to do office type work as she cannot be on her feet for prolonged periods.

In evidence, Ms Byrne said she was wearing flat shoes on the day of the accident.

She and another catering assistant were cleaning up at around 5pm and she was bringing a knife from the hot food counter when she slipped. “I slipped, there was grease on my trousers,” she said.

She said she was in severe pain, had to have an ice pack applied, later had to have an operation and had difficulty playing with her three grandchildren.

“I always wore high heels. I don’t wear them at all now,” she said.

The case continues on Wednesday before Mr Justice Kevin Cross.