Commentary by Michael Riley, national training manager with Safety First Training
SYDNEY, Australia - It has been well documented that the speed and inherent instability of forklifts means operator seatbelts are necessary for protection in the unfortunate but frequent event of an accident.

It is an accepted industry fact that seatbelts reduce the risk of operator fatality if a roll-over occurs, but the requirement for seatbelts has been difficult for operators to become accustomed to and for employers to enforce.

Many operators regard forklift seatbelts as accessories and "as useful as air conditioning". But, under Australia's workers' compensation laws, operators are required to wear seatbelts at all times when using forklifts. This is not optional.

Since 1995, Australian standards have required seatbelts to be installed on all new machines, and all materials handling professionals have an obligation to change the lax mental attitude towards seatbelts.

Only a few years ago, motorists adopted the same attitude to vehicle restraints. Whether through the financial discomfort of fines or pure logic, society has accepted and now habitually uses seatbelts.

We must aim to create a similar environment in modern materials handling; one that will motivate forklift operators to see seatbelts not as an added extra but as an integral safety tool.

Enjoy your ride and stay alive.