A postman has won €170,000 in compensation from Maltapost after getting injured while being taught to ride a motorcycle at work.

Kevin Zammit had been ordered by the postal company to learn to drive a motorbike as this formed part of his duties.

Another employee, Joseph Caruana, was asked to teach Mr Zammit in a parking lot near the Lowenbrau factory in Marsa on May 8, 2001.

Mr Zammit crashed and ended up under a trailer truck, crushing his leg and suffering a 35 per cent permanent disability. He can walk now but his mobility is limited.

In yesterday’s judgment, Mr Justice Raymond C. Pace pointed out that it was the responsibility of the employer to ensure that the employees had a safe system of work.

While Mr Caruana was licensed to teach motorbike riding, the parking area where the lessons took place was not licensed as a teaching area according to law. As the place was open to the public, this posed a danger to a learner driver.

The court, therefore, found that Maltapost was liable for the damages sustained by Mr Zammit and ordered the company to pay him €173,899.25 in damages.

Lawyer Josette Grech appeared for Mr Zammit.