Employee at Melton Mowbray theme park Twinlakes severs thumb and 4 fingers on circular saw

The operator of Twinlakes Family Theme Park has been fined after an employee severed four fingers and his thumb using a circular saw.

The Melton Mowbray theme park staff member was using the saw to cut pieces of wood, before he pressed the stop button.

He then reached down to collect the wood but his right hand became caught in the rotating blade.

As a result all four fingers and the thumb on one hand were severed.

Doctors worked to save the severed digits and the employee's index finger and the middle finger were re-attached following the incident in October 2017.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Exective (HSE) found that the company had failed to fit the saw with a brake to slow the blade after being stopped, despite identifying the need for one.

It was also found that the employee had not been provided with appropriate training to use the machine.

The operator of Twinlakes, B B & B Leisure Parks Limited of Ruby Farm, Devon, was found guilty of breaching health and safety laws at Northampton Magistrates' Court on February 14 .

As a result the company were fined £57,600 and ordered to pay costs of £1,874.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Neil Ward said: “The company had identified that the saw needed a brake, but had not yet fitted one.

"It also should not have allowed an untrained worker to use a woodwork machine such as this saw.

“Employers should make sure they properly assess and apply effective control measures which may include both hardware measures and training to effectively control risks.”

A spokesman for Twinlakes' operator B B & B Leisure Parks said: "B B & B Leisure Parks Ltd deeply regret the accident and injury sustained by a member of staff in October 2017.

"This was an isolated incident involving a member of staff who used a piece of equipment in the workshop without the required authorisation.

"Health and safety is of paramount importance to our company.

"We have cooperated fully with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) throughout their investigation while continuing to support the member of staff who was injured in the accident.

"There has been a full and comprehensive review of our health and safety systems and risk management to ensure the safety of all our staff and customers at all times."