More people wanting to belt up - DETR say new
European Standards will follow

Independent seat belt manufacturer Securon has launched a range of Commercial Vehicle belts. They are designed either for retro-fitting to vehicles without existing seat belts, or as a replacement for belts that are not in good condition.

The wearing of seat belts in other vehicles is routine, and substantially reduces the number of deaths and the severity of injuries. Following an increase in HGV fatalities, the DETR say new European Standards will follow.

"Drivers and passengers already understand the benefits that come from wearing seat belts and there are two areas where they are now being fitted retrospectively", said Securon Director, Victor Adams. "First; caring employers are providing seat belts for their staff and second; companies involved in the hire, rental and lease of vehicles are increasingly expected to provide them for their customers."

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With new seat belt legislation for trucks due to come into force early next year, now is the best time to plan for and fit seat belts.

Securon, the UK's leading independent seat belt manufacturer has introduced seat belts that can be bolted to the trucks existing anchorage points - and almost every HGV's will already have these points.

Installing the belts is routine and they can be fitted by an owner-driver, or as part of a vehicle's next service. The belts cost under £40.00, which is a small price to pay for the benefits.

Securon's seat belts are widely available through Factors, or direct from Securon.

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All Drivers and Front Seat Passengers are set to benefit from Seat Belts as Owners/Operators fit them retrospectively to:

BE CONSISTENT WITH GOOD HEALTH & SAFETY PRACTICES

NEGATE LIABILITY

SATISFY INSURERS

Because the wearing of Seat Belts substantially reduces the number of deaths and serious injuries; drivers and front seat passengers must use Seat Belts where provided (and despite popular opinion there are very few exemptions).

Following recent legislation Seat Belts are now provided on all new vehicles. However, drivers and front seat passengers in most older vehicles still do not have this benefit .

Securon Seat Belts are designed for retrospective fitment to vehicles without them and as replacements for those not in good condition.

Fitting Seat Belts is routine as almost every vehicle will already have the anchorage points. They can be fitted by Owner-Drivers or as part of the vehicle’s next service. Securon’s Seat Belts cost under £50 and are available through Factors or contact Securon.

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The well-being of Drivers and Passengers is one of the obligations of those responsible for Transport (Owners, Operators & Managers). This necessitates everyday risk assessment including the provision and wearing of seat belts.

As Seat Belts substantially reduce the number of deaths/serious injuries it is now a legal requirement for Vehicle Manufacturers to provide them on new vehicles and for Drivers/Passengers to use them where provided.

Most other vehicles have suitable anchorage points and Seat Belts are readily available - Securon (Tel 01494 434455) manufacture Seat Belts which are available nation-wide from local distributors.

In the absence of a risk assessment justifying why Seat belts should not be fitted those responsible for Transport may have to face the HSE and Courts in the event of a death or serious injury.

Some people responsible for Transport have even found themselves in the invidious position of having to decide who should travel in vehicles that have the benefit of Seat Belts and who should not.

The HSE, the Insurance Cos. and the Courts have experienced this process relative to Seat Belts on many previous occasions (i.e. their effectiveness on Cars, Minibuses, Coaches and most recently Forktrucks) and there is only one result:
Fit Seat Belts at the earliest opportunity and make sure they are used.

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