A 48-year-old man was nursing injuries at home last night after an accident at Tynes Bay Incinerator Plant in Devonshire.

The Pembroke man was operating a trash truck at the site at about 9 a.m. yesterday when a compactor door is believed to have opened and hit him, causing deep lacerations to his head and abrasions to his right shoulder.

He was taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for treatment to his wounds, but was discharged later in the day.

Last night, Permanent Secretary for Works and Engineering Derrick Binns said a report was being compiled on the accident.

Dr. Binns said: "I want to take this opportunity, on behalf of the Ministry of Works and Engineering, to extend my wishes for a safe and speedy recovery for our injured worker.

"Early this morning, I can confirm that one of our waste management employees received contusions and lacerations after he was hit by a compactor door, which opened on one of our garbage disposal trucks.

"The worker was taken to hospital, where he was treated and has subsequently been released.

"As is standard procedure, we are in the process of completing our incident report, which will be forwarded to the Health and Safety Office. Based on their conclusions, we will take any additional steps if they are recommended."

Police have been informed about the incident and inquiries into the matter are ongoing.