Glasgow City Council fined after a man suffered life-changing injuries when a corroded lamppost fell on him in Glasgow
Glasgow City Council Pleads Guilty to Safety Breach
The lamppost, which was twice over its life expectancy, was set for replacement 11 months after the incident.
It pinned Mr. Shaw to the ground when a car caught onto the lamppost’s cable and kept it on him.
Glasgow City Council pleaded guilty today to a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act.
Incident Details
Glasgow Sheriff Court heard that Mr. Shaw was talking to a colleague outside the school around 4:15 PM that day.
Prosecutor Richard Brown stated, “Mr. Shaw had his back to the lamppost when moments later his colleague saw it fall towards them.”
“She ran and screamed towards Mr. Shaw, but it struck him from behind and pinned him face down to the ground.”
“The cable attached to the lamppost was caught by a passing car, which dragged the lamppost over him.”
The cable was removed from him when another car got caught up in it.
A 999 call was made, and emergency service crews found Mr. Shaw conscious but “screaming in pain.”
He was taken to the hospital, where he was found to have suffered “serious life-changing injuries.”
Injuries and Recovery
His injuries included multiple spine and rib fractures, as well as a fracture to his tibia and ankle.
Mr. Shaw had to undergo surgery on some areas twice after the first attempts failed.
The result of the surgery meant that one of his legs is now shorter than the other.
Mr. Brown mentioned, “Before this incident, he was a military veteran with an active lifestyle and was a regular hillwalker.”
“He describes having flashbacks, and his wife has had to reduce her working hours.”
“The incident has affected his mental health, and he is receiving psychological treatment and support.”
Investigation Findings
An investigation found that the lamppost had an expiry service life of 20 to 25 years but was still in operation twice over that period.
It was described as being in “poor condition” and was due to be replaced in April 2024. Its previous inspection was in March 2022.
The inspection failed to address the extent of corrosion on the lamppost.
Other lampposts in the surrounding streets were also checked for safety after the incident.
Council’s Response
Colin Smith, defending, told the court, “I formally convey the council’s sincere apologies that this incident occurred, particularly that it resulted in such terrible injuries to Mr. Shaw.”
“If the council had known that the lamppost posed a risk, it would have been removed.”
“The failure by an individual should not impugn the inspections in their generality.”
Financial Context
The council’s annual budget for 2024 and 2025 is £1.7 billion.
The council has spent £7.5 million to replace similar lampposts over the next three years.
It was revealed that the council’s two previous convictions relate to the Glasgow bin lorry crash in 2013, for which it was fined £20,000, and a £5,000 fine related to an asbestos issue in 2002.
Statement from Mr. Shaw
In a statement released through Digby Brown Solicitors, Colin Shaw said, “This accident has had a huge impact on my life, and I am pleased it has now come to a conclusion.”
“I now request privacy as I continue my recovery and rehabilitation.”
Summary of Incident
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Incident Time | 4:15 PM |
| Injuries | Spine and rib fractures, tibia and ankle fracture |
| Lamppost Condition | Poor, twice over life expectancy |
| Replacement Due | April 2024 |
| Council Budget | £1.7 billion (2024-2025) |
| Replacement Cost | £7.5 million |
| Previous Convictions | £20,000 (2013), £5,000 (2002) |
