Posted By TBC
We only insist on the wearing of seat belts if the truck is outside travelling a bit quicker and on uneven ground. Inside the warehouse, they don't have to wear them as the floor is smooth, they are driven slower, and the FLT operators are on and off too often. Works OK.

Posted By Mike Hinton
It has been my understanding that all Mobile Pieces of Work Equipment were required to have restraining devices fitted under the PUWER Regs. However back in December 2002 there was specific guidance that the HSE were now enforcing a new law specifically regarding Forklifts. However the wording went something along the lines of if reasonably practicable. There are some forklifts out there that are too old and you can not fit a seatbelt to them as they would put the operator in more danger, these are normally electric trucks with removable batteries. There is also an argument to be had in reference to Reach Trucks due to the driving position these machines will allow the operator simply to sep out and clear of any danger rather than being stuck in the cab whilst it rolls over. Your risk assessment can show this. I have been running my own forklift training company for 5 years now and have queried this with an HSE Officer a while ago and he was satisfied with the advice I had given to a client. Hope this helps

Posted By liam.b
We have around 40 in operation from 8 tonne to 18 tonne FLT’s seat belts are compulsory, we have a 10 mph speed limit throughout our site. and FLT are restricted to 10 mph. It is still possible to overturn a FLT even on smooth and even ground; also other factors collision and impacted wheels falling off even if they are service regular, improper use of the FLT, uneven loads hanging over the sides of the FLT, As Barry said The reason for this is to prevent the driver from leaning out of his cab when approaching a load, and also from attempting to jump clear of the truck in the event of overturning. The risk of overturning is extremely low, but one driver thought his truck was going to, and tried to jump clear, his foot got trapped under the pedal, and he fell banging his head on the floor could have been a lot worse. Even the FLT running over the operator or crushing him, reversing to quick with a fully laden FLT with the mast fully extended, even though your FLT operators are fully trained It is still possible (human error unsafe acts and mechanical failures and so on) even though the risk is low the severity is high (fatality) as you said the risk is low. But still possible not unlikely, I would to consider seat belts hope this helps.

Posted By Innes Gray
The HSE Info was in Sheet MISC241

I have a copy of if you want to see (just tell me where to email)
Also I have an old Q&A sheet that I gave to customers back in 2002 with ref to what was required.
This I can email also