Blackthorn injury

Scottish Woodlands Health & Safety Shared Learning

A Utility Arborist suffered a puncture wound in their right hand while moving Blackthorn branch wood, being cut to maintain safety clearances on the overhead powerline network. The injury was initially considered minor but became infected over the following days. The injury required surgery to remove a small deep lying section of broken thorn tip and to clean out the wound. The arborist was given anti-biotics and was unable to return to normal work duties for two months.

The arborist was wearing task specific Personal Protective Equipment - heavy leather gauntlets.

There have been two other instances, in the last four years, where hand puncture wounds from blackthorn have led to serious infections, requiring arborists having to take time off work while they recovered. Copies of these reports are shared below.

This issue is also of relevance to Forest Managers and their Contractors involved in tree clearance, establishment or fencing involving thorn bearing hedge species.