Hundreds of port workers have been given dynamic demonstrations in how to cut trapped drivers from car wrecks, recover casualties from the water and tackle chemical spills.

Others have been scrutinised on their knowledge of first aid and safety, given control of heavy machinery, the chance to abseil from work platforms and to practise operating in confined spaces.

Some of the world’s leading distributors of rescue, safety and hi-tech security kit have also been on hand to showcase their cutting-edge wares at the Port of Dover’s annual Safety Day.

The event, held each year at Cruise Terminal One, not only attracts Port of Dover employees but also representatives from the companies and agencies working inside and alongside the Port and in the wider port industry.

Tim Waggott, the Port of Dover’s Chief Executive, said: “The Port is a 24 hour working environment with multiple construction and maintenance projects. 

“We have a good safety record and are keeping incident rates well below the industry average, but at Dover we strive to be the best and events like our Safety Day help us to up our game.

“We have a highly skilled workforce with a huge range of technical skills to develop, maintain and operate the Port – a nationally important piece of infrastructure.  We have a good track record of responding to difficult operational challenges and emergencies – but we don’t do this alone.

“The Port relies on many partners, agencies and contractors, and it’s our performance as a group that keeps the Port of Dover safe.  Safety Day is an event where we all come together to increase our knowledge of potential risks around the Port and improve our skills.

At the forefront of the demonstrations were the Port’s police, harbour service, environment and safety officers, Dover-based Kent Fire and Rescue crews, Kent County Council’s Highways teams, contractors and specialist equipment distributors.