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PHW · Other · 2026-01-08

Glasgow City Council fined £80,000 after a man was struck by a collapsing corroded lamppost

Glasgow · Glasgow Sheriff Court

What happened

A man was struck and pinned to the ground when a severely corroded lamppost dating from the 1950s to 1960s collapsed onto him in Glasgow. Overhead cables then snagged on a passing vehicle, which dragged the fallen lamppost over him.

Injuries: life-changing injuries: multiple spinal, pelvic and rib fractures, open leg fracture and fractured ankle

The breach

Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

The sentence

  • Fine: £80,000
HSE inspector

“This incident in which a man sustained devastating, life-changing injuries should never have happened.”

What would have prevented it

Street furniture such as lampposts needs an inspection regime that actually detects corrosion, not just a visual check, before the risk of collapse becomes critical.

How PHW helps

The machines, packs and quizzes that fit this kind of site.

Safety pack

Working at height

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Safety pack

Vehicle marshal (banksman and reversing)

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Source: HSE press release, Glasgow City Council fined £80,000 after military veteran struck by collapsing lamppost