A SWINDON-based company has been given a caution after a falling sign seriously injured a passer-by in Falmouth.

The incident occurred in November 2011 when the sign installed by New Life Signs Installations Ltd, based at Queensfield, fell causing significant injuries to the pedestrian.

It was found that the sign was poorly fitted and fell because of it.

Representatives of New Life attended Bodmin Magistrates Court in June admitted the offences under Section 3 of the Health and Safe at Work 1974 act.

The action was brought by Cornwall Council’s public health and protection, food and health and safety, which carried out an investigation in the wake of the incident.

Cornwall Council’s senior environmental health officer Lee McDowell said: “I was shocked at how poorly the sign was fitted, and it was only luck that prevented it from killing someone.

“You didn’t need to be an experienced sign fitter to realise screwing a heavy 27kg sign to a thin fascia board made up of predominantly MDF was not going to stay in place for long and would present a danger.”

As well as being cautioned New Life was also ordered to pay the council’s costs.