Morning all,

Can anyone point me in the right direction (as Mr. Google hasn't!), I want to find out if seat belts on excavators are mandatory. (I.e. if not already there, do they need to be fitted).

Thanks

There is no stipulation in law similar to that for vehicles used on public roads. It is a grey area and many major contractors have a blanket rule, they must be worn. It is also becoming an accepted practice.

Generally they should be worn:-
•If the wearing of them will help protect the operator from injury.
•If there is a risk of the machine toppling.
•If they have been fitted by the manufacture.
•If the excavator has roll over protection, most do.
•Unless there is a counter argument e.g. the wearing will add risk for example an excavator fixed in place on a floating barge.

Therefore because they are not fitted does not mean they have not got to be fitted and worn.

You could argue (using a risk assessment) that the wearing of them does nothing as the risks, e.g. the machine toppling or being in a RTA, are low. However in my experience the risks are rarely low enough!