A UNION has slammed Glasgow City Council after a worker was rushed to hospital following falling in treacherous weather conditions.

The 26-year-old cleansing department employee is understood to have slipped on ice in Dennistoun while carrying out his duties for the local authority earlier this week.

GMB Union claim the man was rushed to the Glasgow Royal Infirmary with a head injury.

Chris Mitchell, the union's convenor for refuse and cleansing, said he was left with a "large bump" and some pain.

Mr Mitchell said he was not the only member of staff to slip on the ice while working and insisted the council should have ensured the streets were safe for workers and residents alike.

He said: "I've seen quite a few issues. I've got members sliding all about the place and now, one in hospital.

"I've got RCVs (Refuse Collection Vehicle) sliding all over the place. I've got grave concerns about this.

"We're being told we don't want to overwhelm the NHS but, with what I've seen, accident and emergency will be full."

It comes after Glasgow's health board was forced to call in extra staff after the city was covered in black ice.

Glasgow City Council insisted resources are available to protect staff from falls.

A spokesman said: “Staff safety is always paramount and refresher training is provided every year, highlighting the risks posed by winter weather. All staff are provided with appropriate PPE, including footwear with removable crampons.

Read more: Extra hospital staff drafted in after Glasgow covered in black ice

“In addition, refuse collection crews are supported by staff undertaking gritting duties ahead of them.

“Unfortunately some collections on Monday were suspended for a spell due to difficult road conditions at the time. This decision was taken by supervisors in order to protect our workforce.

“Crews were then redeployed to areas where it was safe to work or asked to undertake alternative duties, such as additional gritting."

He added: “There is no question the recent conditions have been very challenging for all road users.

“Rain falling on to sub-zero surfaces not only washes away grit that has already been laid down but will also create black ice.

“However, we are very clear that we have followed our winter plan as required by the relevant roads legislation.

“This plan first and foremost focuses on keeping the city’s priority roads, footways and cycle routes safe for use, but also sets out when we will treat other routes in the city.

“As part of this plan, we receive detailed weather forecasts three times a day as well as gathering data from four monitoring stations around the city, which directly informs the action we take each day."

The council insisted weather forecasting remains an "inexact science" therefore, it is not always possible to predict cold snaps, which results in issues with gritting.

It insisted there are 1,546 street grit bins which are refilled regularly to cope with ice on routes which are not deemed as priority, such as paths and pavements.