Recent prosecutions: Manufacturer receives six-figure fine following apprentice injury

A manufacturing company was ordered to pay a £187,600 fine and £7,464 in court costs after an apprentice was seriously injured while using a radial-arm drill. 

The 18-year-old, who was still learning to use the manufacturing equipment, sustained three broken ribs when his shirt got caught in the machinery. He required skin grafts and a five-day hospital stay, was unable to work for six months, and was left with a large piece of skin removed from his chest.

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found that the company had failed to take adequate steps to safeguard its workers. The site’s radial-arm drills had insufficient guarding and machine operators had not received proper training on using safety features. The manufacturer had also modified the drill, increasing the risk of workers being pulled into the machine.

Under HSE guidance, employers must comprehensively assess risks and implement suitable measures to prevent access to hazardous machinery components. While fixed or adjustable guards are the most common solution, other protective devices may be required to stop the movement of dangerous parts. 

Businesses are also legally bound to provide employees with the necessary information, instruction, training, and supervision to enable them to safely use equipment related to their jobs. 

Taking care of young workers 

Apprentices and younger employees typically require additional safety support, particularly in higher-risk environments. Often new to the working world, many young people are unfamiliar with general job-related hazards, as well as the specific dangers of your site. They can also lack the confidence to speak up if they’re unsure how to work safely. 

As an employer, you’re responsible for the safety and welfare of your team. However, under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, you have specific duties for apprentices and staff under 18. Young workers should not be exposed to risk because of: 

• Lack of experience
• Being unaware of existing or potential risks
• Lack of maturity

While 18-year-olds are technically adults, they often need extra guidance, targeted training, and close supervision. The following steps can help prevent young people from putting themselves and other people in harm’s way: 

• Conduct an enhanced ‘young person’ risk assessment, taking into account key areas like working hours, physical capability, safety awareness, and hazard exposure. This is a legal requirement for anyone under 18, but it’s best practice for new starters, inexperienced workers, apprentices, and employees new to your industry – regardless of age. 
• Consider Day Zero training to strengthen safety awareness before a worker’s first day on the job. This ‘head start’ onboarding programme – often delivered via a personalised online platform – covers key compliance topics and helps prevent accidents among new employees. 
• Tailor training to the worker’s role, responsibilities, and risk levels – delving deeper for apprentices and longer-term work placements. 
• Cover key hazards, procedures, and safety protocols in your workplace, and confirm that employees understand what they’ve been taught. Use scenario-based questions and competency checklists to ensure they can identify risks, adhere to safe systems of work, and follow emergency procedures. 
• Monitor training effectiveness through close on-the-job supervision. Regularly evaluate young employees’ progress, pinpointing knowledge gaps and making necessary adjustments. 
• Think about physical ability and maturity when assigning tasks, being realistic about competency, training needs, and supervision levels. For example, jobs that require manual handling may need to be modified or reallocated to suit strength and experience. 
• Explain tasks and desired outcomes in detail – and check for understanding. Encourage young people to raise concerns, provide feedback, and ask questions if instructions are unclear. 
• Follow the legal age limits for using specific equipment and tools, such as forklift trucks and selected woodworking machinery.

Build a safer team with Opus 

Apprentices and young workers bring enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to your business. To create a secure working environment for your next generation of talent, speak to your Opus consultant.

We’ll advise on risk assessments, training programmes, and proven controls to develop new starters safely and confidently. 

Get in touch on 0330 043 4015 or hello@opus-safety.co.uk.