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Kevin Birchall wins UPM Tilhill Safety Challenge 2007

Damaged chainsaws, out of date harnesses, messy work sites and even banana skins – spotting deliberate mistakes staged for the UPM Tilhill Safety Challenge was all in a day’s work for Arboricultural Trainer and Assessor, Kevin Birchall.

Kevin, Director of Tree Care Ireland based in Rathvilly, Co. Carlow, claimed first prize of £500 after beating off 15 other contenders at the 41st National Arboriculture Conference, held at Warwick University, Coventry on the 2nd - 5th September.

“I’m delighted to have won,” said Kevin. “At Tree Care Ireland we aim to provide our customers with a direct link to the latest forestry and arboricultural techniques and we place a firm emphasis on safety and practical skills. Winning the competition is a great endorsement of our own high standards.”

UPM Tilhill set up three simulated work sites – the first involved operatives feeding a trailed chipper; the second demonstrated an aerial tree operation, and the third a MEWP (Mobile Elevated Work Platform) site. At each of the work sites, representatives from UPM Tilhill\\\'s Utility sector carried out procedures which contained a minimum of 10 deliberate mistakes. Candidates recorded as many failures in compliance with legislation and best practice as they could spot, and offered advice on appropriate actions. Points were awarded for correctly identified non-compliance, with bonus points to the candidate who interacted most effectively with the teams.

“Well done to Kevin, his performance displayed a first class knowledge of health and safety issues and procedures that hugely impressed the judges,” said Peter Jackson, Business Development Manager, UPM Tilhill. “More than anything, the challenge is a great way to raise awareness of the high-quality safety management required within arboriculture and the utility sector in particular.”

Press for further information contact:
Ruth Roy, Head of Marketing, 01892 861008/07771 940494, ruth.roy@upm-kymmene.com

UPM Tilhill Marketing. September 2007