Probe into claims worker ‘trapped in bin lorry’:

WITNESS SAYS MAN COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED

AN investigation is under way amid claims a worker ended up trapped inside a bin lorry and had to scream and shout to be freed.

The incident happened at the Caernarfon recycling transfer depot, when a member of staff is believed to have entered the rear of a wagon to remove loose cardboard.

The vehicle, a Romaquip recycling wagon, has numerous compartments in which glass, plastic and other household waste is thrown.

It is understood the worker was inside the cardboard section, which is equipped with a powerful compactor.

A witness said the man was lucky to be alive, telling our sister paper the Daily Post if the machine had been switched on the worker could have been “crushed to death.”

The witness said: “The loader went into the back of the wagon and almost got killed. The driver did not realise he was there and shut the back door.

“If one button had been pressed he would have been crushed to death. The lad was shouting for help and banging and someone heard him – he was very lucky.

“Health and safety have recorded the incident and have spoken to the driver.”

The source claimed other staff had not been made aware of the incident, adding: “We are all under a lot of pressure and I am concerned.

“I don’t want this to happen again as next time it could be the case that someone dies.”

Gwynedd council confirmed the worker was unhurt during the incident.

A spokesman said: “We can confirm that the council is carrying out an investigation following an incident at our recycling transfer works depot at Caernarfon on Monday

“We confirm that nobody was injured in the incident.”

The Health and Safety Executive has been approached for comment.