I recently attended a contractor engagement safety day organised by a client and came away from the event impressed with the current status of the utility arboriculture sector, the professionalism displayed and the way in which we adapt to and change in the challenging environments we work in.
The day was split into sessions designed to engage with the audience, which totalled nearly 200 people ranging from apprentices to lead climbers and team leaders, surveyors to managers and company directors.
The sessions covered a variety of topics including emergency first aid and how to use and adapt kit in the field to help deal with different scenarios. There was a presentation on understanding how mental health can impact a business and having the awareness to nominate and train people within a company so they are able to deal with the issues it can bring or offer support and guidance on how to get help. Another session covered hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), its long-term impacts and how we can prevent it developing. There was also a demonstration of stationary rope technique (SRT) incorporating two points of attachment at all times within the setup.
So, all in all this was an excellent day, engaging with new and experienced staff and showing off a range of innovative developments that are happening within our sector at an event where both clients and contractors were sharing ideas and developments in good practice.
It was also great to see several Utility ARB Approved Contractors at the event, which shows how the new accreditation has been well received and is providing benefits for both client and contractor – a direct result of all the hard work that the UAG has been doing in the background over the last several months.
We have again seen an increase in UAG members since the removal of the additional subscription and this engagement from you is greatly appreciated. I would encourage anyone else who wants to get involved to do so. If you are a current UAG member, the Core Group elections are just around the corner so please send in your nominations.
This article was taken form Issue 186 Autumn 2019 of the ARB Magazine, which is available to view free to members by simply logging in to the website and viewing your profile area.