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seantoomey1  
#1 Posted : 27 March 2024 10:35:11(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
seantoomey1

Morning.

As per the title, I have an Excavator Operator who has producded a Medical Exception certifcate from wearing a seat belt in his 20tn excavtor.

This is the first time I've come accross this siutation. All my intution is pointing towards an inherntant need for a seat belt to be worn in an excavtor due to the high risk and potentional for an overturn.

I'd be greatful for your opinions which will help me form my own decision.

Many Thanks

Sean

Edit: The Excavtor Spec is as follows - 

​​​​​​​https://www.ridgwayrentals.com/plant-hire/komatsu-pc228-excavator/

Komatsu PC228LC Excavator

The Komatsu PC228 Excavator ensures maximum productivity and control when room is tight.

  • Safe SpaceCab™
  • ROPS compliant
  • EU Stage V engine 
  • Rear view camera
  • Optimal jobsite safety
  • Safe access, easy maintenance
  • Falling Object Protection System (FOPS) optional

Edited by user 27 March 2024 10:46:41(UTC)  | Reason: Added spec

Roundtuit  
#2 Posted : 27 March 2024 10:44:02(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Roundtuit

You dont mention the style of excavator (particularly the cab arrangement - roll cage, open sided etc.)

thanks 2 users thanked Roundtuit for this useful post.
seantoomey1 on 27/03/2024(UTC), seantoomey1 on 27/03/2024(UTC)
Roundtuit  
#3 Posted : 27 March 2024 10:44:02(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Roundtuit

You dont mention the style of excavator (particularly the cab arrangement - roll cage, open sided etc.)

thanks 2 users thanked Roundtuit for this useful post.
seantoomey1 on 27/03/2024(UTC), seantoomey1 on 27/03/2024(UTC)
seantoomey1  
#4 Posted : 27 March 2024 11:01:06(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
seantoomey1

Spec of excavtor now added. Thank you 

Viking-andy  
#5 Posted : 27 March 2024 19:58:59(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
Viking-andy

Ive actually spent a fair amount of time using 20t excavators and still train CPCS Plant tickets.

I have actually come across this before only for a 3 month period tho, where we had to risk assess an individual who we deemed safe but with restrictions which was very strict.

  • No Lifting with excavator (which you actually need specific training seperate for)
  • No works on graidents.
  • No muckaway works.

Basically all works must be completed on a level area and with a banksman at all times.

After all this the Principle Contractor would not let them work.

Like i stated, the individual was very competent but if site says no its a no.

I could not pass a new operator who was unable to wear a seatbelt if that helps?

thanks 1 user thanked Viking-andy for this useful post.
seantoomey1 on 27/03/2024(UTC)
seantoomey1  
#6 Posted : 27 March 2024 20:11:12(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
seantoomey1

Originally Posted by: Viking-andy Go to Quoted Post
Ive actually spent a fair amount of time using 20t excavators and still train CPCS Plant tickets.
I have actually come across this before only for a 3 month period tho, where we had to risk assess an individual who we deemed safe but with restrictions which was very strict.
    <li>No Lifting with excavator (which you actually need specific training seperate for)</li><li>No works on graidents.</li><li>No muckaway works.</li>
Basically all works must be completed on a level area and with a banksman at all times.After all this the Principle Contractor would not let them work.
Like i stated, the individual was very competent but if site says no its a no.I could not pass a new operator who was unable to wear a seatbelt if that helps?


Thank you for your reply. Very useful.
The developer has actually allowed him to continue. The developer is PC but I still don't feel comfortable. I shall suggest the restriction route and your comment about needed to wear a seatbelt for your CPCS/NPORS cards.

I've witnessed excavators tipping over through user error and consider seat belts as life savers!
MrBrightside  
#7 Posted : 28 March 2024 11:24:55(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
MrBrightside

I might come off bad for this one, but I have always been of the view that person cannot be medically exempt from a safety control measure. I understand the need to make reasonable adjustments, but if one person doesn't need to wear a seat belt, then surely this would apply to everyone else as there has been deemed no risk.

I used to get this a lot with "I'm medically exempt from wearing safety boots, so i'm wearing trainers". The risk hasn't magically disapeared. 

Roundtuit  
#8 Posted : 28 March 2024 12:09:23(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Roundtuit

There are controls and controls.

It has been proven seatbelts save lives yet the law permits medical exemption on the public highway.

It has been proven "crash" helmets save lives the law permits Sikh's to ride motorbikes in turbans.

In construction hard hats prevent injury yet the law specifically permitted Sikh's in turbans exemption.

Too often we gold plate what is actually necessary and then decide it must become the minimum standard.

thanks 2 users thanked Roundtuit for this useful post.
peter gotch on 29/03/2024(UTC), peter gotch on 29/03/2024(UTC)
Roundtuit  
#9 Posted : 28 March 2024 12:09:23(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Roundtuit

There are controls and controls.

It has been proven seatbelts save lives yet the law permits medical exemption on the public highway.

It has been proven "crash" helmets save lives the law permits Sikh's to ride motorbikes in turbans.

In construction hard hats prevent injury yet the law specifically permitted Sikh's in turbans exemption.

Too often we gold plate what is actually necessary and then decide it must become the minimum standard.

thanks 2 users thanked Roundtuit for this useful post.
peter gotch on 29/03/2024(UTC), peter gotch on 29/03/2024(UTC)
Kate  
#10 Posted : 28 March 2024 17:25:04(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Kate

There is no "no risk", only "limited risk".  Some of the measures described above restricting what a driver can do (such as only working on level ground) may conceivably reduce the risk to the same level as for a driver who did wear a seat belt but wasn't subject to those restrictions.

thanks 1 user thanked Kate for this useful post.
peter gotch on 29/03/2024(UTC)
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