Paris v Stepney Borough Council [1950] UKHL 3[1] was a decision of the House of Lords that significantly affected the concept of Standard of care in common law.

The plaintiff Paris was employed by the then Stepney Borough Council as a general garage-hand.

The council only issued eye protection goggles to its employees who were welders or tool-grinders.

On appeal it was decided that Stepney Borough Council was aware of his special circumstances and failed in their duty of care to give him protective goggles.

[3] While Paris was attempting to loosen a rusted car axle bolt with a hammer, he caused a chip of metal to fly into his sighted eye, and as a result was permanently blinded in both eyes.