| Northsider hoping to lift first prize |
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| Wednesday, 03 September 2008 | |
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A SKILLED forklift operator from Donnycarney will travel to the UK this month to compete in a unique event. Gerard Murray, an employee of Crown Paints in Coolock, will be hoping to drive away with first prize - a new five-door Ford Fiesta – in the Operator of the Year competition. The competition that pits the most skilled forklift operators from Ireland and the UK against each other is believed to be the first of its kind. It was started in order to find the best lift truck operator from the 80,000 on the National Operator Registration Scheme database. Entrants from this already elite group needed to have scored no more than 25 penalty points in their initial practical test and to have scored 90 per cent or more in their theory test to be eligible. Those who made the grade were invited to go online and take a hazard perception and theory test. Over 34,000 operators took the online test and from these, the eight top scoring participants in each region competed in a regional final. Gerard Murray (42), who was runner-up in the Irish regional final, has been a lift truck operator for eight years. “I made it all the way through the various stages to get into the finals this month in Birmingham,” Gerard told Northside People. “The finals consist of an elaborate obstacle course, which has little traps you have to negotiate in your forklift. “After that you take an associated knowledge test and you do a pre-inspection of a forklift where little things will be hidden and you have to inspect it for safety. “It can be quite difficult but it’s very enjoyable. The competition is the first of its kind so it’s great to be able to compete in the finals.” According to Gerard, the competition organisers are covering the travel and accommodation costs, while his employer, Crown Paints, is covering expenses for the trip. “Crown Paints were very happy when I made it through the first round of the event,” he added. “I’m pretty happy about it too although I’ve no idea if I will win on the day. “I think it’s just a matter of nerves and who is the best man on the day; anyone in the finals could win it.” “It would be nice to win the Ford Fiesta or even the runner-up prize of a £2,500 holiday. My wife and two sons would be happy enough with that.” The competitors will be guests of the Road Transport Industry Training Board and SUMO Glove company for two nights at a four-star golf and spa hotel with travel expenses paid. Jane Willis, HSE’s Director of Strategic Programmes, will announce the winner at a gala dinner following the day’s competition. |
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