Health and safety: Kevin Scott lost his thumb in an incident eight years ago

An oil and gas worker, who lost his thumb in an incident offshore eight years ago, has launched a new service to tackle “normalised risk” in the sector.

Kevin Scott was left without 40% of the function of his right hand when his thumb was pinned against a steel column on a North

“I went through months of therapy as it had a big impact”

Sea platform during lifting operation.

The 37-year-old, from Aberdeen, said the incident was a result of “normalised risk” – or complacency – and is aiming to highlight the issue through his consultancy business.

He said: “I went through months of therapy as it had a big impact both physically and psychologically. I developed post-traumatic depression and I tried to get back into work in 2011 but I failed miserably.” a

He continued: “For the last seven years I have built myself up from a trainee in health and safety to an advisor.”

Mr Scott has worked as an advisor on health and safety for several oil and gas firms. Since recently starting his own business he has been hired by Aker Solutions on Equinor’s Mariner platform to direct construction HSE advisors amid a major hook-up project. Part of the new service is supporting companies’ operations, while the other is helping firms understand the impact a serious incident takes on workers and their loved ones.

He added: “We’ve all seen the notices on the canteen safety board and discussed at safety meetings but you don’t really know what happens to these individuals and the toll it takes on them and their families. That’s the sort of thing that the industry needs to understand, what that looks like.”

ADVISOR: One of Kevin’s roles is to make clear to oil and gas firms the devastating impact injuries can have on workers and their families