Stratford-on-Avon District Council is reinforcing the message that ignoring health and safety procedures in the workplace could land offenders in court following a recent successful prosecution. 

Toprapid Ltd. of Stratford Oaks Golf Course, Snitterfield, pleaded guilty to "their failure to ensure the safety of all their employees in particular by not providing and maintaining a safe system of work......" at Stratford Magistrates' Court on 11 October 2007. The company was fined £2,500, and a further sum of £3,446 was awarded to the District Council to cover costs.  

The local company's failure to comply with Health and Safety legislation led to one of their employees being hit on the neck by a golf ball whilst driving an unguarded tractor clearing balls from the driving range.  

	Cllr Simon Jackson

"This case demonstrates the need and importance of Health and Safety in the workplace to be effectively managed," Says Councillor Simon Jackson, Executive Portfolio Holder for the Environment.  

"The legislation requires employers to ensure that suitable equipment is available to do the job and that staff are trained to work without endangering themselves or others. Employers also need to be able to demonstrate that the safe systems they believe are being followed are actually being used in practice. People who break these rules risk legal action and significant penalties; I hope that employers take heed of what could happen if Health and Safety is not managed adequately."

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