Ask The Expert: School trust fined after pupil’s finger was amputated

We take a closer look at incidents reported by the HSE and ask our team of experts what could have been done to prevent or mitigate them.

A school trust in Surrey has been fined after part of a pupil’s finger was amputated.

The five-year-old boy, a Year 1 pupil at Danetree Primary School in Epsom, had been leaving the toilet on 15 June 2022 when his right hand slipped and went into the hinge side of a door.

There was no door guard installed, and he trapped his right hand in the door.

This led to the tip of his middle finger becoming detached as his right hand was stuck in the door.

A teacher found the tip of his middle finger, and the boy underwent surgery to re-attach his finger at St Georges Hospital in Tooting, London.

Although younger pupils in Key Stage 1 were taught in a newer building where hinge guards had been fitted on the doors, the incident occurred in a separate building where the older children in Key Stage 2 were taught.

The Key Stage 1 pupils would use the Key Stage 2 building at least once a week to use its library and learn about music and science. While in this building, the Key Stage 1 pupils were allowed to use the toilets unsupervised.

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation into the incident found GLF Schools, the trust that runs Danetree Primary School, had failed to identify the risk to its Key Stage 1 pupils while using the toilets. This meant hinge guards were not installed on the toilet doors of the building where Key Stage 2 pupils were taught.

GLF Schools, of Picquets Way, Banstead, Surrey, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The trust was fined £6,000 and ordered to pay £6,875.70 in costs at Staines Magistrates’ Court on 30 October 2024.

Source :HSE

Matt Ellis, Head of Health & Safety at Stallard Kane says

“This incident highlights the need for robust health and safety protocols within the education sector. Schools must undertake comprehensive risk assessments that encompass not only educational activities but also all buildings and facilities. By proactively identifying risks, addressing shortcomings, and implementing plans to repair or replace inadequate finger guards and doors, schools can significantly enhance pupil safety.

Classroom and toilet doors used by Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Key Stage 1, and Key Stage 2 students should be classified as high-risk areas, along with doors in entrances and corridors. Installing appropriate finger guards on these doors can greatly reduce the likelihood of finger-trapping injuries. Additionally, ensuring adequate supervision when younger pupils use facilities in buildings primarily designated for older students is crucial. By adopting these measures, schools can create a safer environment and prevent similar incidents in the future.”

Don't wait for an accident to happen - take action now to protect your workforce, pupils and your business. Contact our Health & Safety team at healthandsafety@skaltd.co.uk or 01427 420 402 to discuss your needs, and how we can help support your business.