Health and safety is important to help protect members of the public and employees, no matter what the industry. It is vital to ensure proper procedures are followed and regulations are adhered to, should an accident happen. In a case heard in the courts this week, Manchester City Council failed to do that, severely endangering the life of one its employees in the process.

One of its cleaners, Paul Rose, suffered horrific injuries after being hit by a driver while collecting litter near a motorway in Manchester – the Mancunian Way. He was only recently released from hospital after spending three days in an intensive care unit and six weeks in a ward. His injuries included fractured bones and severe damage to his lungs. The accident could have been prevented had their been suitable training and traffic cones put in place.

The Health and Safety Executive, who took the case to court, said the council had failed to provide adequate safety for its employees. Rebecca Hirst, from the agency, said: “There weren’t any steps taken by the council to ensure the safety of their employees.”

Judge Maurice Greene, who presided over the case, agreed and fined the council over £15,000 in addition to £3,380 in costs.

The case illustrates the need for organisations to have suitable health and safety procedures put in place, as well as adequate training programmes for all employees, enabling them to cope with a range of situations they might encounter.