Falling mailbox injures local postal worker

THUNDER BAY, ON, March 24, 2016 /CNW/ - One of Canada Post's new mailboxes has fallen onto a mail carrier on Wednesday, sending her to the hospital.

"It fell right on top of her, breaking her glasses, hitting her head and her right shoulder was injured," said Joanne Nowosad, president of the Thunder Bay local of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers.

"These mailboxes are a clear and present danger to public safety," added Nowosad. "What if it had fallen on top of a child?"

Photographs taken by union representatives at the scene (attached) show the box sheared off its concrete base and lying face down on the ground.

Mark Evard, National Director for CUPW's Central Region, covering Thunder Bay, said it was unclear what had caused this particular box to come apart, but that the new mailboxes were not designed for Canadian weather.

"The boxes are designed in Arizona. Even one Canadian winter so far hasn't been good," Evard said, pointing out numerous issues across the country with frozen locks, break-ins, and slip hazards.

The union is hoping the Liberal government will restore home delivery in its upcoming public review of the postal system.

"How many more people have to get hurt before Canada Post and the Liberals realize it's not worth it?" said Evard.