AFTER a local authority recently pleaded guilty and paid a hefty fine following an accident with a mower working on a roadside bank, BALI and the National Contractors  Forum are to stage a one-day event, ‘Coping with Slopes’ on 22 October between 10am and 2pm at Draycote Water, Warwickshire.

A range of specialised machinery is due to be tested, while product manufacturers and technical specialists, including from the HSE will be available to share knowledge at the Severn Trent site.

Severn Trent have granted BALI access to the large reservoir embankments at Draycote Water, one of the largest reservoirs in the Midlands. The picturesque site boasts some considerable grass embankments and will be a testing ground for a range of specialized machinery. This will be a great opportunity for grounds maintenance and landscape contractors to benchmark a range of machinery.  

Cirencester Town Council paid a total of £29,000 in fines and costs after pleading guilty to a breach of Section 2(1) of the Health & Safety at Work Act on 4 August, following the accident. The groundsman suffered four fractured ribs and bruising when his ride-on mower overturned. The court heard that model he used was not suitable on slopes of more than 25 degs.

The event is open to all, with reduced price tickets for BALI members.

Event entry for BALI members: £6 per person. Non-BALI members: £10 per person

To book a place call: 0247 669 0333 or email Emily Feeney

Further information on the event call Jonathan Tame: 024 7669 8653.