Not wearing a seatbelt on mobile plant caused driver's head to hit windscreen.

A front loading shovel driver was banging out a bucket whilst travelling up a ramp. As the bucket tipped forward it dug into the ramp causing the loading shovel to stop suddenly. The sudden stop caused the driver to be flung forwards. However, as he was not wearing a seatbelt, his momentum was not checked and his head hit the windscreen.

A review of the incident established that to override the seatbelt safety system, the seatbelt had been placed in the clip and the seatbelt placed behind the driver.

• Seatbelts are part of the overall safety system for a mobile plant to protect people from harm if the vehicle stops suddenly or overturns


• Seatbelts only work if they are worn correctly


• It is against the law for anyone to interfere or misuse anything provided in the interest of health and safety