Trades Apprentices Compete for Top Spot in Safety Challenge

Taranaki’s first ever Trades Apprentice Safety Challenge was a huge success with some great teamwork and true competitive spirit! Trades apprentices from 8 local construction, engineering and oil & gas companies took up the challenge and participated in a day of practical safety activities designed to test their safety skills and knowledge. STOS won the trophy...but only just! Clelands Construction apprentices were leading at the end of the practical safety tests only to be overtaken in the quick-fire safety quiz held at the end of the event.

Challenges that the apprentices were faced with during the day included loading and unloading a truck, hoisting an eye beam up scaffolding, selecting appropriate PPE for a chemical spraying task and identifying electrical hazards within the home. To take the apprentices out of their ‘comfort zone’ we threw in some fire safety, first aid, food handling and road safety challenges along with a tough fitness test! 

Feedback has been excellent with apprentices noting that the event highlighted just how much knowledge they already have...but how important it is to remember to use it.

The event was organised by the Taranaki Construction Safety Focus Group, in partnership with ACC, Department of Labour, New Plymouth injury Safe and local industry. 

NZ Fire Service, Roadsafe Taranaki, Red Cross, Civil Defence, Taranaki DHB Public Health Unit and Sport Taranaki also assisted during the day with the running of practical safety tests. 

A real team effort both for the apprentices taking part and the many organisations who ensured the day ran smoothly!