A sanitation worker was taken to hospital yesterday after getting caught on the mechanism of a trash truck on Front Street.

The man suffered no broken bones and his arteries were not affected but required stitches for “a substantial tear in his skin”, the Corporation of Hamilton said.

An assessment by David Monkman, the general superintendent, suggested that the incident, which happened near the junction with King Street, was “not a mechanical error but an unfortunate choice made on the part of the worker that resulted in his injury”.

“All sanitation workers are fully trained in what to do and what not to do.”

An internal investigation is under way. The corporation also has a health and safety committee to ensure compliance, including the maintenance of trash trucks, a spokeswoman said.

Fire service spokeswoman Sergeant Russann Francis said the service had responded with three vehicles and six personnel to the accident, shortly after 8am.

The “jaws of life” were used to pry the man free, and he was taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for treatment.