He was hauled to safety by Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) paramedics who were lowered into what is called a rubbish reception hall, which is where garbage is dumped before it is incinerated.

The man, in his 40s, was found conscious by the paramedics. It is believed he escaped serious injury because the rubbish cushioned his fall. A hoist was then used to lift him to safety, and he was taken to the National University Hospital.

The victim was a waste collector who was there to dump rubbish.

The National Environment Agency, which operates the plant, said it is investigating the incident. Waste collectors are required to wear safety belts while unloading rubbish.

The incident, which happened at 3.40pm yesterday, is the third industrial accident reported here this month. The other two took place in shipyards. The most recent one happened on Tuesday, when two Indian nationals, aged 21 and 25, died after apparently after succumbing to gas poisoning while working on a ship in Tuas.