Health and safety officers are investigating an incident where a man was taken to hospital after being trapped in a bin.

He had apparently wrapped himself in a discarded carpet in a wheelie bin when, despite checks, it was emptied into the dust cart and he became trapped.

The man suffered leg and pelvis injruies and was taken to Medway Maritime Hospital.

Neither Medway Council nor local charities and agencies that help the homeless know who he is.

Emergency crews were sent to Rochester High Street at 7.30am on Monday.

Jack Rimmer, spokesman from Health and Safety Executive said: “HSE has been made aware of this incident and is making initial inquiries.”

Medway Council is also investigating the incident with its rubbish collection contractors Veolia.

A Veolia spokesman said staff followed company procedure when checking rubbish bins, but they did not spot the man who was asleep and wrapped in carpet.

He said: “As soon as the team were aware that the incident had taken place they immediately halted operations, called the emergency services and supported him until an ambulance attended the scene and took him to hospital for treatment. Our thoughts are with the gentleman concerned.

“The Veolia crew followed our Sleepsafe procedure that protects people who sleep in bins but unfortunately the injured person did not wake and he was obscured by carpet wrapped around him to keep him warm.

“Health and safety is our top priority and we are working closely with the relevant authorities following this serious incident.”

A large section of the high street was cordoned off on Monday morning when emergency services were called to the scene.

The air ambulance landed in nearby Castle Gardens at 8.30am and its doctors helped to treat the man, who was taken to Medway hospital by land ambulance.

Ward councillor for Rochester Stuart Tranter said he was shocked by the incident.
He said: “I understand that the Veolia operatives did carry out all their required visual checks in advance but the gentleman was covered and therefore not seen.

“This is a tragic accident and the council are investigating the matter fully with Veolia as a matter of urgency and will keep you informed as we learn more.

“Events like this are very rare but I am truly shocked; this could have been so much worse.

“I will be following this sad event closely, and I have already contacted some of the organisations who work with rough sleepers to get warnings circulated.

“I am also continuing my efforts to get to the heart of the many causes to this complex and difficult problem.”

Cllr Naushabah Khan, Medway Labour spokesman for housing said: “Incidents like this show just the levels of desperation some individuals are at to seek shelter particularly on cold winter’s evenings.

“We must see even greater safeguards put in place to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”