It was with great sadness that we learned that a pedestrian died in London at the end of January when a sign from a shop fell and hit him. The young man was reported to have had a cardiac arrest at the scene and died later in hospital.
This tragic episode is now being investigated by the Health and Safety Executive and we can’t comment on the specific case.
However, the tragedy does highlight the responsibility of everyone involved in the sign industry for the safety of the public.
Through our Code of Practice and Technical Guidelines, the BSGA constantly promotes the highest standards of workmanship, quality and safety in sign production, installation and maintenance.
All our members agree to adhere to this Code, which insists that all signs should be designed, constructed and maintained in accordance with British Standard 559 – 2009 and that, where not otherwise specified in BS 559, all materials, structural members and fixing devices shall conform to the relevant British Standard and current legislation.
The strict adherence to the British Standards and our Guidelines is, we believe, the best way to ensure the safety of the public and workers within the sign industry.
Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to the young man’s family and friends.