A McDonald’s staff member in the Waikato is recovering in hospital 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 police spokeswoman confirmed the incident, saying: “Emergency services were advised shortly after 1.30am that someone had got their hand/arm stuck in a rubbish compactor at a commercial address on Firth St.”

The victim was said to be in a moderate condition and was put in the care of an ambulance.

WorkSafe has been notified and police say they are not investigating the circumstances at this stage.

St John said it was notified of a workplace incident at the premises at 1.36am.

“One ambulance responded and transported one patient in a moderate condition to Waikato Hospital,” a statement said.

The McDonald’s New Zealand-Australia head office has been approached for comment. A staffer at the Matamata McDonald’s said they were not commenting on the situation.