Safety Tip #3 - Seat Belts To Be Worn
Most new sit down type (counter balanced) forklifts come fitted with a seat belt. It's common practise at many companies however for operators to overlook wearing the belts and they're very rarely used. In fact, quite often when we go into a company to do training, the supervisors, managers, and even the operators them selves don't realise that they're forklifts even have seatbelts.
It is mandatory for seatbelts to be worn on forklifts that have them fitted. 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.
The idea behind the belts is that they are designed to keep the operator in the seat in case of a role over. They are only ever a lap sash type belt so they don't restrict the drivers from turning their shoulders to look backwards.
It is obviously a major pain for operators to put the belts on and off when ever they use the forklift. 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 this however is that if one of the forklifts happens to roll over and the driver isn't wearing the belt, he won't be covered by the companies insurance, and the company will have to answer to WorkCover for not ensuring that belts where being worn.
Drivers themselves can also incur personal fines from WorkCover inspectors for not wearing belts. More and more large companies are starting to strictly enforce the wearing of seat belts. 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 seat belt is on.
If you have any question relating to this or any other matter, please feel free to call on 1300 799 112.