Rank: Forum user 
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There appears to be differing views as to whether seat belts should be and need to be worn when driving a forklift truck. My view is that if it is fitted then it should be worn and it is there to prevent a fall. However colleagues believe that if the truck was to roll over, wearing a belt would hinder their escape and they have advised that their previous instructor advised them it was their choice.
Does anyone have any views on this as I am unsure as to whether to enforce the requirement or not, surely if its fitted you have to wear it?
Thanks
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Rank: Super forum user 
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HSG6 States
6 The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 19983 apply to all work equipment. They require that:
....
"The Regulations also require that lift trucks which carry a seated ride-on operator should be fitted with a restraining system, such as a seat belt, if risk assessment indicates that there is a risk of the vehicle rolling over and the operator falling from the operating position and being crushed between the truck and the ground."
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Have always insisted on operatives wearing seat belts on FLTs - have experienced a couple of case where the FLT has tipped over [rough terrain] and the operative has walked away unscathed [apart from his pride]
The worry is that if they don't wear the belt they will be thrown out of the FLT when it 'tips' and there is a clear risk of the FLT rolling on top of them
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Rank: Super forum user
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AND
53 Where operators are at risk of falling out and being crushed between any part of the lift truck and the ground if the truck overturns, a restraining system (for example a seat belt) should be fitted. Where a restraining system cannot be fitted, and the risks are sufficiently high, it may be necessary to use another lift truck which has such a system.
Link to HSE gudiance = http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg6.pdf
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Rank: Forum user
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Must be worn, in fact, you are scored down if you don't during FLT test
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Juan Carlos Arias wrote:Must be worn, in fact, you are scored down if you don't during FLT test
Must be worn if fitted. Fitting only required if risk assessment identifies the need.
The majority of seated reach trucks in service don't have them fitted and I've never seen a tri-directional narrow aisle truck fitted with one.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Juan/Smurf - where does it say they must be worn? I thought it was down to the RA to deem if necessary for them to be worn? Subtle difference??
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Rank: Forum user
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Agree, if there is one fitted - any decent risk assessment will identify the need to wear it to prevent "the mouse trap effect" some might argue that if the terrain is flat, firm, whatever, but there will always be a risk of lateral instability when using a FLT even if environmental conditions are good. It might just take and overloaded pallet or incorrect operator use and there you have it. Some reach trucks might not have them because or their dimensions however counterbalance trucks are more prone to topple over.
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Rank: Forum user
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Rank: Forum user
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When I worked in the chemical industry (as an operative); the HSE where on site and spotted a fork lift driver (in the yard area) not wearing his seat-belt; HSE Officer informed the driver that he must wear his seat at all times when in the folk-lift and informed the H&S Advisor that he needs to ensure this practice is followed.
I believe where there is a risk that water courses etc are present within the vicinity of a folk-lift truck being used then it is recommended that a selt belt is not worn.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Phil John wrote:When I worked in the chemical industry (as an operative); the HSE where on site and spotted a fork lift driver (in the yard area) not wearing his seat-belt; HSE Officer informed the driver that he must wear his seat at all times when in the folk-lift and informed the H&S Advisor that he needs to ensure this practice is followed.
That is just an opinion from a HSE officer. I have worked in chemical industry for 25 years and our operators did not wear seat belts. We would not allow trucks to be used in conditions or circumstances where roll over could occur. Remember there is a hierarchy of control measures even if the HSE often forget this!
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Rank: Super forum user
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stuie wrote:Juan/Smurf - where does it say they must be worn? I thought it was down to the RA to deem if necessary for them to be worn? Subtle difference??
During the operator's test if the truck has one fitted. It's been 6 years since I was an instructor but if memory serves me correctly, a counterbalance that is to be used for basic training now has to have one fitted to be deemed suitable for that purpose.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Devils advocate - they are not legislative only info sheet and guidance - admittedly difficult to defend not wearing but imho not a legislative requirement; it all comes down to a s&s risk assessment.
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Rank: Forum user 
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Hi all
Our company policy is that seat belt should always be worn when using a FLT.
HSE have a video showing the FLT tipping over when cornering at the high speed of 4.5mph.
If the operater tries to jump out, death/injury can results from the roll cage crushing the operator. (the mouse trap effect)
best advice is to wear the seat belt and if the unit tips, hold on the the steering wheel, close your eyes and hope for the best!
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