I have a dispute with my employers concerning new 'rider operated pallet trucks' (sit on & drive) and would welcome some advice/opinions. Basically the new equipment has an operators cab with a seat. However the cab size is so small that, when in a seated position, an average sized individual is not fully enclosed within the cab. Typically the hip, leg and arm are outside of the cab area (the sitting position is sideways, the same as a reach truck). I and my colleagues are not giving training to any individual who is not fully protected by the cab and this is causing much upset to management. We have asked for advice from both the supplier, the manufacturer and our own upper management who purchased the equipment and they are saying that everything is safe but seem to be unwilling to commit this to writing as we keep requesting. This whole situation is causing much personal stress & tension as my colleagues and I are being blamed for the huge costs of having equipment out of use and the subsequent hiring of replacement equipment. I really would welcome any advice you guys can give. Maybe you've been in a similar situation ?

Thanks