Buckfield buckles up

BUCKFIELD -- Just a week after a safety inspection from the Maine Municipal Association (MMA), the selectboard adopted a seatbelt policy for the town's off-road equipment, including forklifts and lawnmowers.

Robert Thomas, a loss control consultant with the MMA, wrote the board a letter on October 12 after surveying the town. "The purpose of my visit was to look for uncontrolled hazards that could have a negative impact" on employees and their insurance rates, Thomas wrote.

Thomas recommended that the town require workers to buckle up while operating "off-road and construction equipment," including "forklifts, front-end loaders, and ride-on lawn mowers."

Thomas noted that the use of seatbelts in motor vehicles is state law, and said "if you review the safety recommendation listed in the owner's manual for off-road equipment such as the Transfer Station or Highway Department's front-end loaders, you will find the manufacturer recommends the operator wear the seatbelt provided."

The MMA provided Buckfield with a sample policy.

The new seatbelt policy requires all occupants of applicable vehicles to wear seatbelts.

"We care about our employees, and want to make sure that no one is injured or killed in a tragedy that could have been prevented by the use of seat belts," reads the new policy.

The policy became effective October 19. Employees who fail to comply with the new rules are subject to the town's Disciplinary Policy.