Making Your Loading Dock Safe

Any loading dock is a hub of constant activity and the possible location for tragic accidents. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports work-related deaths of more than 1,000 forklift operators since 1980. Many of these fatal accidents occurred when lift operators overturned or tipped off unsecured loading docks. Each year, hundreds more workers are injured while loading and unloading semi-trucks. A great many of these accidents are avoidable and your business suffers when they happen. Business owners suffer lost productivity and reduced profits when workers are injured or killed on the job. Insurance costs and employee morale and productivity can plummet.

Common loading dock hazards:

• Wet or oily floor surfaces

• Unsecured dock plates

• Carbon monoxide poisoning

• Damaged loading dock concrete

• Lack of vehicle restraints and barriers systems

• Poor communication between dock workers and drivers

The solution

The solution to loading dock safety is a combination of training, procedural changes and better technology. Creating a culture of safety begins with the implementation of vigorous safety training program so that your employees are better prepared to avoid accidental injuries.

Safety training combined with changes to your companies loading/unloading process reduces the risk of incident by better controlling access in and out of the loading dock area. Restrict loading dock area access to authorized personnel only. These workers understand the series of steps involved with safely loading and unloading cargo trailers. Keeping other workers out of the area reduces the risk of incidents from falling, improper lifting or forklift related accidents.

Technology

Some facilities may have loading dock areas that need repairs and better technology to keep workers safe. Cracked concrete flooring, damaged loading dock doors and loading ramps should be replaced or repaired. Replace damaged dock plates promptly and take steps to ensure dock plates are always seated properly. Have maintenance personnel regularly inspect, repair any damage to loading dock surfaces, gates and equipment.

Many older loading dock areas lack adequate barrier systems and vehicle restraints. Installing better barrier technology greatly reduces the risk of forklift accidents. Installing better automatic barriers, doors, and dock levelers are beneficial in several ways. The improved technology keeps employees safer and working more productively.

Effective vehicle restraint mechanisms use a system of colored lights to show vehicle restraint status. The control box display lights must be clearly visible to both drivers and forklift operators. Make sure that the system is working properly and not obscured by stacked pallets or in a location where it is difficult to see clearly. You can save lives and profits by replacing an older vehicle restraint system with one equipped with a fully integrated communication system.

A culture of loading dock safety

Create a culture of safety at your company. Instituting comprehensive safety awareness training programs dramatically reduce the risk of accident and make your employees feel safer as they carry out their duties. Employees who are aware of potential dangers and the correct way to carry out loading/unloading procedures are much less likely to be injured on the job. The result is safer workers, lower insurance and lost time related costs. The work is more efficient and profitable for your company.