Norfolk Broads marina fined after worker lost finger in boat lift incident
St Olaves Marina Limited was ordered to pay over £7,000 after the serious hand injury
A marina based in the Norfolk Broads has been fined after a man suffered a severe hand injury during a boat lifting operation at the site. The incident happened at St Olaves Marina Limited on 17 May 2023 and resulted in the amputation of the man's finger.
The man, an employee of Northern Divers (Engineering) Limited, was assisting with the lifting of a work boat using a telehandler operated by staff from St Olaves Marina. As the boat was being raised, the telehandler’s forks crushed the man's hand, leading to amputation of the fourth finger of his right hand.
According to a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation, St Olaves Marina Limited failed to implement suitable risk control measures for lifting operations, and staff involved had not received the appropriate training.
The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 requires employers to take effective measures to protect both employees and others from risks arising from their activities. St Olaves Marina Limited, based on Beccles Road in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Act. On 3 October 2025 at Norwich Magistrates Court, the company was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay costs of £5,700.
“Every year, a significant proportion of accidents, many of them serious and sometimes fatal, occur as a result of poorly planned and managed work activities," commented HSE inspector Christopher Booker. “In this case, a wholly avoidable incident was caused by the failure to conduct and carry out a simple lift plan. Had the company suitably planned the lifting of the boat, this life-changing injury would not have occurred.”
The prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Karen Park and paralegal Melissa Wardle.