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High Court finding that Dublin Bus failed to provide safe equipment to driver overturned by Supreme Court

Summary

In 2015 the Supreme Court overturned a 2010 High Court ruling that Dublin Bus had breached a statutory duty under the 1993 Health Safety at Work Regulations to provide safe equipment to its drivers. Vincent Thompson, 54, had sued Dublin Bus and South Dublin County Council after a pneumatic suspension failure on a speed ramp on 27 September 2005 caused neck and lower‑back injuries. The High Court had found that the regulations imposed an absolute duty on employers to ensure equipment was suitable and safe, and awarded Thompson €75,911 in damages. Dublin Bus appealed, and the Supreme Court, in a unanimous judgment by Ms Justice Elizabeth Dunne, held that no breach of statutory duty had occurred. The court said Dublin Bus had taken the necessary measures to minimise risk, and that the regulations do not impose absolute liability on employers. The case will be revisited later in the year to address remaining matters.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: High Court finding that Dublin Bus failed to provide safe equipment to driver overturned by Supreme Court. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• September 27, 2005 Incident
• 2015-03-05 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

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Read the original CNI report