Forklift Truck Seat Belts
As it relates to forklift truck seat belts OSHA does not have a specific rule requiring forklifts to have seat belts. However, employers are required to protect employees from “serious and recognized hazards.” All powered industrial trucks manufactured after 1992 are required by OSHA to have seat belts or another type of restraint specifically to reduce the risk of being crushed, or “mousetrapped,” in the event that the forklift overturns. With this in mind employers are responsible for ensuring that forklift operators are wearing the available seat belts. If the operator does not use/wear seat belts, the employer could be cited for failure to comply with OSHA standards which requires companies to protect employees from recognized hazards.