Friday, 27 Feb 2015 17:01 GMT

‘Significant failings’ led to sign death

The death of Jacob Marx, a 27-year-old New Zealand man killed by a falling sign in London earlier this year, was ‘an accident waiting to happen’ due to a catalogue of errors, an inquest has been told.

Marx died when a 35ft illuminated William Hill sign weighing nearly a third of a tonne fell on him in Camden in January following ‘significant failings’ by parties involved with the installation and maintenance of the sign, yet none of those concerned accepted any responsibility for the incident, instead making several attempts to pass the blame on to each other.

A statement from Marx’s family reads: “It has become apparent during the course of the inquest that there were significant failings surrounding the William Hill sign and we call on those authorities with the ability to do so to institute measures to try to prevent such a tragedy every occurring again.”

The jury heard evidence from a number of companies involved with the installation and upkeep of the sign, including representatives from William Hill, and Signia, who were responsible for carrying out sign maintenance. Signia are owned by Blaze Signs Holdings Ltd and associated with Blaze Neon, with no connection to Blaze Group Holdings Ltd of Tonbridge.

It would be much better if everyone worked with us towards creating an environment where this type of tragedy could not happen”



“Everyone involved in the sign process—this Association, legislators, sign makers, maintenance contractors and sign buyers— must do everything possible to ensure the safety of the public,” says David Catanach, Director of the BSGA.

“Passing the blame seems to be the default mode of far too many in the industry,” he continues, adding:  “It would be much better if everyone worked with us towards creating an environment where this type of tragedy could not happen and sign manufacturers and installers understand and fulfil their responsibilities in a professional, qualified and competent manner.”