Effects of Seatwings and Seatbelts on the Response of Forklift Truck Operator during Lateral Dynamic Tipovers

摘要

The main objective of the study is to experimentally compare the dynamic response of the seated operator of a forklift truck during lateral tipovers while seated in a traditional seat to the response while seated in a seat which has been modified by the addition of a seat belt and side seat wings. A state-of-the-art Side Impact Dummy was used as a surrogate to the human operator. Tipover experiments were conducted. Test results indicate that, regardless of the tipover velocity, the seat with seatbelt and seatwings allowed the head to strike the ground at severities that would result in a high probability of life-threatening brain injury, but that this probability was significantly reduced by increasing the lateral self-restraint force.