The man, 26-year-old Joshua Palmer, was disabled and employed by a not-for-profit company set up to provide work for people with disabilities.

He was working on a kerbside collection route in the town of Evesham, Philadelphia when he tripped and fell before being crushed as the bin lorry was driven over both his legs.

Despite being airlifted to hospital Mr Palmer later died.

Police court officials are now investigating the accident and an autopsy is due to be carried out to determine the exact cause of death.

No charges have been filed.

The death is the latest in a wave of fatal accidents associated with the recycling industry (see related story).

The British Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has warned the industry to tighten up its safety procedures in the UK to avoid unnecessary accidents and underscored the fact it can be a dangerous business.

By Sam Bond

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