There are significant common safety hazards at loading docks and here are five tips to avoid them. According to the article, there is importance of addressing these hazards to prevent accidents, lawsuits, and employee injuries, emphasizing that safety is crucial for business success.
Loading docks are identified as one of the most hazardous areas in a facility, with 25% of warehouse accidents occurring there and 600 near-misses for every injury. Despite this knowledge, many businesses struggle to address these safety challenges effectively.
The author, drawing from 15 years of experience in facilities management, identifies common mistakes and provides tips to mitigate risks:
Not using restraints properly: Restraints prevent accidents by securing the truck at the dock, ensuring the driver can’t drive away accidentally and eliminating the possibility of leaving a forklift on the truck. The author emphasizes the importance of adding restraints and training employees on their proper and consistent use.
Neglecting dock levelers: Dock levelers, designed for safety, are often overlooked. The author highlights the need to engage the dock leveler with the truck only when the restraint is locked into place. Proper use of dock levelers is particularly important in industries like cold storage, as it reduces the risk of energy leakage and pest infiltration.
Exposing employees to traffic risks: When opening trailer doors, employees can be exposed to traffic hazards. The author suggests using vertical storing levelers inside the building, allowing trucks to back in completely without requiring someone to open the doors in an unsafe position. Minimizing the number of people on the ground reduces the likelihood of injuries.
Using aging equipment: Investing in cheap equipment that needs frequent repairs compromises safety. The author recommends investing in hydraulic levelers without obstructions under the dock leveler, such as springs or airbags, which increase the risk of injuries. Although the upfront cost may be higher, better equipment lasts longer and reduces the need for replacements.
Inefficient use of space: Many facilities have outdated dock doors positioned haphazardly. To enhance safety, efficiency, and customer appeal, the author suggests considering vertically positioned dock levelers, which create a safer and cleaner environment.
While acknowledging the associated costs of implementing these improvements, the author suggests exploring financing options and seeking expert guidance to make necessary changes. Prioritizing safety over immediate capital expenditure is essential, as it helps avoid costly lawsuits and ensures long-term business sustainability.
Addressing common safety hazards at loading docks is crucial for businesses. By implementing the provided tips, such as using restraints, dock levelers, and efficient space utilization, companies can mitigate risks, enhance employee safety, and avoid legal liabilities. You can read more about it here.
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Reference:
Common safety hazards at the loading dock – and 5 Tips to avoid them. Industrial Distribution. (2023, May 10). https://www.inddist.com/logistics/blog/22860448/common-safety-hazards-at-the-loading-dock-and-5-tips-to-avoid-them