A construction company, 3B Construction, was fined following an incident in which a teenage apprentice lost part of his thumb while using a portable table.
The 18-year-old apprentice, who had been employed with the company for six months, was cutting plasterboard during the renovation of Hope Lodge, a 19th-century hunting lodge, into a luxury hotel in the Highlands when the incident occurred. While attempting to clear materials from the saw blade with his left hand, his thumb came into contact with the rotating blade and was severed.
Colleagues acted quickly transporting him to Raigmore Hospital with the thumb later reattached at St Johns Hospital in Livingston. While surgery restored 70% function, the apprentice now faces lifelong challenges including restricted movement and pain. It is shorter than his other thumb, it cannot be fully bent, and remains permanently swollen. This caused him significant discomfort, particularly in winter when the thumb becomes stiff and sore.
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) highlighted several failings on the part of 3B Construction:
· No suitable risk assessment: The company had not identified the hazards of using a table saw for an inexperienced worker.
· Unsafe working practices: The apprentice was clearing debris by hand near the blade instead of using proper sticks.
· Lack of training and supervision: No formal training was provided, and supervision was inadequate.
· Missing Safety Features: Machinery guards were not in place or enforced.
Court Outcome
3B Construction Limited, based at Cassillis Business Park in Minishant, Ayr, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) and Section 33(1)(a) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
The company was fined £40,000 at Tain Sheriff Court on Tuesday 1 July 2025.
HSE inspector Norman Schouten said: “While this young man continues to live with the trauma and impact of this incident, it is encouraging to see him continuing to work as a joiner. However, it is only the efforts of medical professionals that prevented this from becoming a permanent amputation following the failures of the company. Companies and individuals should be aware that HSE and COPFS will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”
To prevent similar incidents employers should ensure that all wood working machinery is subject to a thorough risk assessment, supported by a safety at work that mandates the use of guards, and push sticks and other protective devices. Young or inexperienced workers must receive formal training, close supervision, and clear instructions before operating any such equipment.
Regular maintenance, strict enforcement of safety procedures and effective monitoring of site practices are essential to minimise risks and maintain compliance with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.