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PHW · Machinery · 2026-03-30

MTL Advanced Ltd fined £140,000 after an apprentice's thumb was crushed by guillotine clamps

Rotherham, South Yorkshire · Sheffield Magistrates' Court

What happened

A 17-year-old apprentice was cutting metal on a guillotine when their thumb contacted the machine's clamps through a gap in the guillotine's bed. HSE found the machine was inadequately guarded and the company had failed to identify the hazard even after the incident occurred.

Injuries: Crush injury to thumb.

The breach

Regulation 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998

The sentence

  • Fine: £140,000
  • Costs: £5,013
HSE inspector

“Had this machinery been effectively guarded, this injury would never have happened.”

What would have prevented it

Young workers and apprentices need extra care in risk assessment, and machinery guarding must close off every access point to dangerous parts.

How PHW helps

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Source: HSE press release, Rotherham metal fabrication company sentenced after young apprentice injured during apprenticeship training