Emergency services were called to a commercial premises on Firth St in the early hours of this morning. Photo / Google
A McDonald’s staff member in the Waikato is recovering after one of their arms got stuck in a rubbish compactor.
Emergency services – including Hato Hone St John, Fire and Emergency and police – were called to the Matamata McDonald’s branch on Firth St about 1.30am today.
A McDonald’s spokeswoman confirmed the incident happened at the McDonald’s Matamata branch.
“A senior employee’s arm became stuck in a small two-bag rubbish compactor,” she said.
“The employee was taken to hospital for a thorough assessment and we are pleased to share they have been discharged with no serious injury.
“We continue to provide our full support to the employee and all McDonald’s Matamata crew on shift at the time.”
WorkSafe New Zealand has been notified and the rubbish compactor has been removed from use until it has been independently assessed and approved for use again, she said.
“All McDonald’s employees receive thorough training in our workplace safety and security policies and procedures – and we will continue to work alongside WorkSafe NZ to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of our people.”
Police officers were also called to the family restaurant, saying they were advised just after 1.30am that someone had got their hand/arm stuck in a rubbish compactor.
The victim was said to be in a moderate condition and was put in the care of an ambulance.
“One ambulance responded and transported one patient in a moderate condition to Waikato Hospital,” St John said.
A staffer at the Matamata McDonald’s said they would not comment on the situation.
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The woman was transported to Palmerston North and then Wellington hospitals.