The Health and Safety 08 event at Sandown Park in Esher, Surrey on 26 and 27 February - sponsored by DuPont - will host the first of Combilift's Regional Forklift Driver of the Year competitions.

The driver competition will be overseen and judged by Mentor Training, one of the UK’s leading providers of operator training.

"As the Combilift range of forklifts is well known for its contribution to safer handling practices, this competition and show complement each other very well," said Roy Redman, Combilift's UK Product Director.

The 4-way capability of the Combilift forklifts means that drivers will not only be tested on their skills whilst operating and reverse modes , but will also need to prove their control and accuracy with the trucks whilst travelling sideways.

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"Once you are familiar with the 4-way Combilift's, they are actually very straightforward to operate," said Combilift's Paul Hopkinson.

"But we have added an extra challenge by designing a course which involves picking up and carrying large and bulky loads around obstacles, tight corners and, just for fun, backwards and forwards through a figure of eight - all against the clock, with penalties for unsafe operation."

As well as receiving a trophy, the winner of the South East region heat will compete with other regional finalists for the title of overall Combilift Driver of the Year, to be held at Combilift's headquarters in Ireland.

Registering to attend Health and Safety 08 is free of charge, as are the seminars and car parking.

However, visitors are advised to do so in advance to guarantee a place. To register, visit the website: www.healthandsafetyevents.co.uk or call the event helpline: 0870 4866816.

(JM)