A WORKER was severely injured when his arm was crushed as he worked at a civic amenity site.The man, aged in his 60s, was at the Martins Farm recycling centre in Colchester Road, St Osyth, when he was injured by a digger bucket.

By Annie Davidson

A WORKER was severely injured when his arm was crushed as he worked at a civic amenity site.

The man, aged in his 60s, was at the Martins Farm recycling centre in Colchester Road, St Osyth, when he was injured by a digger bucket.

He was flown to Colchester General Hospital by Essex Air Ambulance where his condition was severe but not thought to be life-threatening last night.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has been informed of the accident and will carry out an investigation.

Emergency services were called to the farm, which is close to Wellwick Wharf off the B1027, at 3.10pm yesterday.

Essex Ambulance Service sent a rapid response vehicle, ambulance, paramedic manager, and the air ambulance.

Clinical operations manager, John Nicholls, said: "The man had been working in what is effectively a large skip. The bucket of a digger came down and struck him, crushing his right arm.

"The man, who is believed to be in his mid-60s and from the Clacton area, has suffered severe injuries. He was conscious throughout but in a great deal of pain.

"He was given pain relief and fluids before being flown to Colchester General Hospital where a trauma team was on standby for his arrival.

"This was an extremely serious injury but only time will tell what the final outcome will be."

A spokesman for Clacton Fire Station said crews went to the scene and assisted paramedics in carrying the injured man to the air ambulance.

Police officers from Clacton also attended and informed the HSE about the accident.

A spokesman for Essex County Council, which owns the land, said the site was run by a contractor which also employed the injured worker.

But she confirmed the county council would carry out its own investigation.

St Osyth resident and Tendring councillor Michael Talbot, portfolio holder for the environment, said last night he was very sorry to hear about the accident.

He said: "It is a successful site. It doesn't belong to Tendring District Council but as environment portfolio holder I have an interest in recycling.

"There is a very good team there, with a good turn round, over 50% of what is taken there is recycled which is much higher than average. I am sorry to hear about this accident."