Unload Potential Safety Hazards at the Dock | Apex Safety Spotlight

Dock Safety is Warehouse Safety — Simple Cost-Effective Tips

The loading dock is one of the busiest areas of most warehouse and distribution facilities. With lots of activity, the chance for accidents, damage, or injuries is increased. As a matter of fact, approximately one-quarter of all warehouse injuries occur at the loading dock. Putting time and effort into reducing the risk is well worth the payoff in terms of safer working conditions for your team and minimized expense.

According to OSHA, standard 1910.28, fall protection devices such as guardrails, safety netting or fall protection systems are required for openings or exposures where there is a drop of 4’ or more. It is advisable to have visual barriers and protections in place for drops less than 4’ as well.

In addition to guardrails and barriers here are a few easy to implement but effective dock safety tips.

Follow the Signs

Direct the flow of traffic in and around your dock area with clear signage. You can use posted signs and/or floor markings… or a combination of both to be most effective. Clearly identify loading area, pedestrian lanes, vehicle driving and turning areas and crossings.

The use of red & green traffic lights is also effective to let drivers know when it is safe to enter the dock area and when they must stop.

Seal the Deal

Make sure that the seal around the doors is tight and sheltered to prevent water from coming in and creating a slippery dock surface. The dock area should be cleaned regularly to ensure it remains free from debris and slippery materials.

Be on the Level

Bridge the gap between the dock and the trailer with dock plates, boards, or levelers. Each product provides fall protection but with varying degrees of load capacity and application. In all cases, it is crucial that items be well-secured and properly positioned before use.

Dock plates – portable, lightweight load capacity for non-powered equipment such as pallet jacks, dollies, panel trucks, and trolley carts. Do not have side protections.
Dock boards – portable, but with higher load capacity, able to handle powered equipment such as forklifts.
Dock levelers – permanent fixtures with high load capacity and side protections with clearly posted capacity load weights to ensure drivers are aware of load restrictions.

Park It

Consider requiring drivers to check in and remain in designated areas while the trailer is loaded/unloaded. This protects the driver from being in harm’s way as well as ensuring the vehicle is never put into motion while workers are vulnerable. Also, with the vehicle turned off, there is no risk of emissions causing harm to the workers or the environment.

Chocks and vehicle restraints should be used to keep the trailer in position while dock work continues.

Lock It Down

From training to materials, the work in the dock area needs to be tightly controlled.

Inventory going on and off the trucks should be secured. For example, stretch wrap provides a simple way to secure items to pallets. Stretch wrap can be applied by hand, or automated stations can be installed to smooth the process.

Train your team to understand the risks and safety features of the loading dock area. Forklift operators must be thoroughly trained and certified, and safety protocols for workers should be established and clearly addressed.

Dock to Dock Warehouse Safety – Apex Rack Repair App

Warehouse safety may physically start and end at the dock doors, but everything in between will affect the well-being and productivity of your team.

Regular safety training and inspections of rack systems and equipment will help identify risks and damage before they can cause delays and injury.

Apex puts pallet rack inspection right in the palm of your hand with the Free Apex Rack Repair App. The app guides you through the process of inspecting rack components for damage. With the Apex Rack Repair App you simply take pictures of damage and capture system specs… right down to paint colors and baseplate type… and upload your findings to the Apex PROs for a fast evaluation and non-biased repair solution, if needed.

If you are looking for pallet rack audit services, call the Apex PROs. Our team will conduct a thorough warehouse safety inspection and audit. The Apex PROs are certified rack and safety inspectors. Each inspection results in a complete report and non-biased repair solution if needed to make sure your facility is operating safely and efficiently.

Download the app today from the App Store. Available for iOS & Android smartphones or tablets.