Death of 'a fantastic human being' triggers call for awning checks

A coroner has called for urgent action to ensure the safety of awnings over NSW footpaths, after a Sydney man died when one collapsed on him during a storm.

"This was not a freak accident but an accident waiting to happen," Deputy State Coroner Hugh Dillon said after noting evidence of the "widespread occurrence of awning failure".

He concluded the issue of awning safety throughout NSW was "pressing" and made recommendations for state government and local council action.

The coroner was delivering his findings at Glebe Coroners Court today at the inquest into the death of Craig Taylor, 53, on December 7, 2007, outside shops in Sydney Road in the harbourside suburb of Balgowlah.

Mr Taylor, a property valuer, died of "traumatic asphyxia" after being struck by the awning, suspended from the facade of the premises, which collapsed onto the footpath together with brickwork from the facade.

He had been to his local butcher when he took shelter from a severe thunderstorm, involving torrential rain and wind, under the awning.

"Although I understand that he was a fine professional, he was, more importantly, as his family described him shortly after his death 'a fantastic human being'," the coroner said.

He had children with his first wife, Wendy Taylor, and with his second wife, Susan Taylor, and was described as a "generous and loving father".

Coroner Dillon noted photos showing the remains of dead pigeons, chicks, their faeces and nesting materials spread through the debris from the collapse.

The awning was at least 30 years old and no maintenance had been done for about 20 years.

"... prior to the collapse, the awning showed signs of rust, holes and pigeon infestation consistent with a lack of proper inspection and maintenance program," he said.

After the July 2007 collapse of a supermarket awning, Manly Council began a shop awning safety program.

"Despite Manly council's efforts to date, the effects of design, ageing building stock and the coastal environment mean that awning safety is an ongoing issue."

The coroner said awnings generally were attached to privately owned buildings.

"It follows that primary responsibility for the maintenance and repair of awnings lies with the owner(s) of the awnings," he said.

He recommended that the Local Government and Planning Ministers notify every NSW local council of the issues concerning awning safety as outlined in a 2008 structural engineers practice notice.

The councils in turn should write to the owners of all premises from which awnings projected or were suspended over public land, such as footpaths.

The coroner also called for steps to be taken to ensure local councils have the powers to inspect awnings to determine whether they present an unnecessary risk of collapse.

A system of regular inspections and safety certification should then be set up, he said.

Consideration should be given to investigating whether owners of buildings of double brick construction should be encouraged to "retro-fit stainless steel or plastic brick ties for the older style ties manufactured from mild steel or black iron".