We have had a safety issue raised while enforcing the 'seatbelts must be worn at all times' rule.
Our operators have stated that they will not wear them due to the risk of accidently driving off the wharf edge and having to escape quickly from the cabin as the machine sinks.
There is a 10km/h speed limit and a 200mm (8 inch) square reinforced concrete barrier along the edge of the wharf, so 'accidently' driving off seems unlikely, but I was wondering if anyone has any links to studies or data that we can use to confirm the assumption that a forklift would not go over this barrier at this speed?
I would prefer not to set up some barriers and run forklifts into them ourselves if possible!
The forklifts range from 16 tonners down to a 2 tonner.
Thanks in advance
Dave