Forklift safety Tip #2 - "Do Seatbelts Have To Be Worn?"
The simple answer is yes.
You see, most new sit down type (counter balanced) forklifts come fitted with a seat belt and it is mandatory that they are worn. This said, it's common practice at many companies for operators to overlook wearing the belts and they're very rarely used.
In fact, quite often when we go into companies to do training, the supervisors, managers, and even the operators themselves don't realise that the forklifts have seatbelts.
Do All Forklifts Have Seatbelts?
Some forklifts have seatbelts and others don't, depending on the make and model you purchase. Basically, if it came standard from the manufacturer with a seatbelt then it must be worn. If it didn't come fitted with one from new, then none is needed.
The belts are only ever a lap sash type so they don't restrict the drivers from turning their shoulders to look backwards. Their main purpose is to keep the operator in the seat in case of a role over. When a forklift tips over sideways, one of the greatest risks is that the operator can end up under the machine so the belts are there to prevent this.
Why Don't Operators Like to Wear Them?
It is obviously a major pain for operators to put the belts on and off when ever they use the forklift and this is the main reason they're not usually worn. If an operator were to jump on and off of the forklift 30 times a day then you can imagine the inconvenience the belt can cause.
That's why many small to medium sized companies choose to turn a blind eye to the seatbelts and don't enforce the wearing of them.
The risk to you however is that if one of the forklifts happens to roll over and the driver isn't wearing the belt, they won't be covered by your company's insurance. The company will also have to answer to WorkCover/WorkSafe etc (depending which state you're in) for not ensuring that belts where being worn.
Drivers themselves can also incur personal fines from WorkCover inspectors for not wearing belts.
So What's The Solution?
More and more large companies are starting to strictly enforce the wearing of seatbelts. Some have even gone as far as having the forklifts wired up in such a way that they won't start or run unless the seatbelt is on.
Lets face it, putting a seatbelt on and off isn't really going to slow your drivers up that much. I strongly recommend taking a tough stance with your staff and enforce the wearing of seatbelts.
You're going to get some whinging and complaining from certain staff members at first but take it from me, putting up with a little whining is far better than having to call someones wife or husband after a serious workplace accident.
If you have any question relating to this or any other matter, please feel free to call me on 0416 209 798 or email me nathan@directforkliftsales.com.au
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