The company had been contracted to demolish public house premises in Glasgow. It had been agreed that the premises would be demolished by hand down to first floor level and, thereafter, by mechanical means. At the conclusion of the hand demolition phase, a scaffolding sub-contractor was engaged to remove scaffolding from the front elevation of the premises. In the course of removal of the scaffolding, a 13.5 metre section of sign weighing 650kg fell from the building onto three scaffolders. One scaffolder sustained injuries from which he died, another was severely injured to his permanent impairment and the third was injured.

The company accepted that it had failed throughout the course of the planning and execution of the works to carry out and review a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks posed by removal of brickwork around the substantial sign fixed to the front elevation of the premises. The demolition works had compromised the attachment of the sign to the premises. Following submissions, the Sheriff imposed a fine of £60,000 (discounted to £45,000) on the company.

Steve Love of Compass Chambers represented the Company.