A recycling centre in Bolton, Lancashire was closed on Friday (26/02/10), after an employee was crushed between two recycling lorries.

The incident occurred at the Severnside Recycling Centre in Turton Street on Friday morning. The unnamed employee – who worked for the Viridor Plc recycling company – suffered serious internal injuries, as well as broken ribs and a broken collarbone, according to a report by local newspaper The Bolton News.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has been informed and the accident is also currently being investigated by local health and safety officers.

A spokesman for Bolton Council said:

‘An incident occurred at a recycling plant involving a Bolton Council refuse driver and a Viridor Plc employee.

‘The injured man has been taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital and investigations are being carried out by health and safety officers from the council and Viridor.’

Recycling operations were transferred to Viridor’s recycling centre in Bury following the accident.

A spokesman for Viridor Plc said:

‘Viridor confirms that an incident took place involving one of its employees and a Bolton Council vehicle.

‘The Viridor employee was discharging a trailer load of paper for recycling when he was hit by the other vehicle.

‘A full investigation is under way between all parties and the HSE has been informed. Further details will be made available in due course.’

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