Hi Guys I was hoping someone could help. We have a 32 tonne forklift truck which is operated indoors and outdoors along uneven surfaces, various weather conditions, near a waters edge and in and around other plant and machinery. The forklift truck is a 2013 model but for some reason does not have seat belts (one would assume that they'd be an automatic inclusion). I am of the opinion that following my risk assessment they should be fitted and have called a meeting with management to recommend that these are retro fitted to the machine. I can already foresee the counter arguments from their side - cost and the fact that the machines are 2013 and they do not have seat restraints in and as such will not be required. Has anyone else encountered this issue?

You foresee a 32 MT lift truck toppling? Or is there a missing decimal point 3.2 MT? If the travel route is very uneven and your company RA indicates potential injury from a roll over you should be resolve the surface even suspending any outdoor operation until fixed. You haven't mentioned if the FLT was new purchase, second hand or on a hire arrangement - either way first tack would be to challenge the vendor/hirer regarding suitability for supply

I assume the wearing of a seat belt is just part of your control measures. As above, it would be more beneficial to eliminate or at least reduce the likelihood of a roll over by improving the ground conditions rather than relying on a seat belt to prevent any injuries. Yes the wearing of a seat belt may reduce the severity (although maybe not near the waters edge!) but I think the issue of roll over is the main hazard here.