The man once dubbed the Isle of Man’s Minister of ‘fun’ today (24 October) backed an initiative promoting the importance of health and safety at major events on the Island.
Hon David Cretney MHK, the Island’s Minister for Infrastructure, a former Manx Grand Prix competitor, finisher of three Parish Walks and avid motorsports fan, spoke at an event organised by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health Isle of Man Branch (IOSH), in Douglas.
He said: “The Isle of Man Government has invested a lot of time and resources into trying to ensure that the TT and MGP Festivals not only deliver enjoyable events that provide value for money for the people of the Isle of Man, but that sufficient resources are devoted to the planning of the events to ensure, as far as we can, the safety of all those involved.”
Over the years there have been a number of accidents during events held on the Island. Notably, some of the most serious of these have taken place during the annual Tourist Trophy (TT) Races.
Tony Quayle, chair of the Isle of Man Branch of IOSH, said: “With thousands of people annually attending events on the Isle of Man, event organisers can’t afford to be complacent when it comes to health and safety – if they are, they could be putting the lives of competitors, spectators, the general public and even their own staff at risk.
“Today’s seminar is about helping the events industry on the island to continue to flourish. IOSH wants to make sure that everyone involved in events, no matter what the size, is aware of the health and safety requirements involved.”
“This isn’t about stopping people from having fun or events from going ahead. It’s about the events running smoothly and safely, without causing injury or, worse, a fatality.
“With respect to motor sports in particular, there is a clear element of risk that drives individuals to participate and a primary objective of event organisers should be minimising that risk through balanced risk control.”
More than 100 people from the events industry attended the event to hear from Mr Cretney and other key industry figures, including, Geoff Karran, chairman of the Commonwealth Youth Games, Stewart Kermeen, from the Royal Manx Agricultural Show and Ray Cox, race director of the Parish Walk.
Mr Cretney said: “The Isle of Man Government wishes to continue to encourage and help event organisers and to ensure that their enthusiasm is not stifled through interference or unnecessary red tape.”
