No-Cheat Seat Belts on Forklifts Introduced

No-cheat seat belts on forklifts is a new feature by Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks which may be a game changer in avoiding deaths in potentially tragic forklift truck incidents.

According to the latest figures from the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, tipping accidents are the single most common cause of operator fatalities (42%) among forklift operators. In almost every case, the driver was ‘mousetrapped’ between the truck and the ground, causing massive trauma to the head or upper body.

According to Stewart Gosling of Red Diamond Distribution, exclusive importers of Mitsubishi forklift trucks: “These accidents occur because, as a forklift tips over, the operator’s overwhelming instinct is to try and jump clear. Seemingly, no amount of training or experience can overcome the flight instinct..with fatal consequences. Sadly, if the operator was to stay in place, they would walk away with bruising and little more.

“However, actually keeping them seated has proved an insurmountable challenge… until now.”

Many operators simply can’t be bothered to buckle up, especially in on-off applications. At the same time, supervisors tire of reminding staff to comply. Even where safety systems are fitted, operators routinely attempt to trick them by fastening their seat belts permanently behind them.

Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks has overcome this issue on its latest range of EDiA electric trucks with a seat belt compliance feature: a switchable option that allows the employer to ensure wearing a seat belt is mandatory.

“Sometimes, the simple stuff can have the greatest impact,” sums up Stewart Gosling. “We may not be able to change an operator’s natural instincts but now we can make a life-or-death difference by no-Cheat seat belts to ensure they are worn.”

Last year a fleet of Mitsubishi EDiA electric forklift trucks was selected by Essential Supply Products Ltd (ESP) as part of the company’s commitment to greener initiatives – click here for more information