VIDEO: United Water Worker Rescued After Falling in Manhole in Washington Township

A United Water worker who fell into a manhole in Washington Township was pulled out by rescue workers Thursday and sent to Hackensack University Medical Center as a precaution.

Chief Chris Meier said the worker, who was operating a crane near the intersection of East Glen Avenue and Hampshire Road, tripped and fell down the hole while working.

Members of the Paramus Rescue Squad came to assist the township fire department because they are designated as the confined rescue team, Meier explained.

Meier said the man hit his head, but he had "mostly minor injuries" and was taken to the hospital in a Westwood ambulance as a precautionary measure. The rescue took about an hour.

Chief Randy Ciocco said the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) would be going to the scene to "take a look at the setup here to make sure all of the safety precautions were in place." He added that officials believed all necessary steps had been taken.

"It seems like for whatever reason the worker lost his balance and fell into the hole," Ciocco said.

When asked if any similar incidents had occurred in the township previously, Ciocco said, "I've never seen anything like this before."