Forklifts are very useful at the workplace but these material handling equipment are also very dangerous if not operated properly. Many workplace injuries are incurred when forklifts are accidentally tipped over. To minimize injury during such incidents, it is advisable to use a seat belt to secure forklift operators to their seats while they are driving.
The use of a seat belt is a very sensible safety measure during forklift operation but not all forklifts are equipped with seat belts. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration also does not have a specific rule requiring forklifts to have seat belts. But new forklifts are required by OSHA to have seat belts or some other type of restraint system.
A forklift seat belt is different from a car seat belt and does not protect drivers from high-speed collisions. Its main purpose is to protect forklift operators from being crushed if a forklift overturns. It is a natural response for drivers to jump out of a tipping forklift but this puts them at risk of being crushed by the falling equipment. The seat belt helps eliminate this risk.
Make sure all of your forklifts have seat belts to help minimize injury during accidents. Bahrns is an authorized dealer of Toyota and Mariotti forklifts in the Illinois region and can give you good advice on how to install a seat belt and other accessories for your forklift.