Seatbelts are required where there is roll-over danger

In response to a recent confusion about the use of seatbelts in forklifts, a UK trainer has pointed out that the devices are mandatory in his country.

Gary Botwright of GRB Training Services notes that seatbelts are covered in the Provision of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. He cites regulation 26 which states: "If the operator is in danger of being crushed by the roll-over protection frame, then they must be fitted with a restraining device."

The trainer also points to regulation 27 which stipulates that "the employer has a duty to reduce as reasonably practical its risks of it overturning."

"Employers can, however, opt out of this by doing a suitable risk assessment and which determines that the speed of the forklift is such that it does not warrant the compulsory wearing of seat belts," Botwright points out. "However, if they do this and the forklift happens to tip over, then the said risk assessment will be held as evidence in any prosecution."