7 Common Dock Loading Hazards
The high level of activity at a loading dock area along with the presence of physical hazards can lead to serious worker injury and sometimes, a fatality. It is part and parcel of a robust Health & Safety plan to be proactive in identifying potential hazards:
We have identified 7 hazards on dock loading below:
1. Trailer creep (also known as trailer walk or dock walk)
This happens when the trailer moves away from the dock due to the force of the forklift entering and exiting the trailer. This can create a gap between the trailer and the dock leveller, causing the forklift to fall. To prevent trailer creep, you can use wheel chocks, dock locks, or trailer restraints to secure the trailer to the dock.
2. Congestion and traffic
Too many vehicles or people in the loading dock area can result in collisions, injuries, or delays. To avoid congestion and traffic, you can use signs, markings, lights, or barriers to designate traffic lanes and pedestrian walkways. You can also implement a traffic management plan to coordinate the arrival and departure of vehicles and workers.
3. Inadequate lighting
Poor lighting can make it difficult to see hazards, load and unload goods, or operate equipment. To improve lighting, you can install LED lights, skylights, or reflective surfaces to brighten the loading dock area. You can also use portable lights or headlamps to illuminate dark spots or corners.
4. Uneven surfaces
Uneven or slippery surfaces can cause workers to slip, trip, or fall, or forklifts to tip over or lose control. To level the surfaces, you can use dock levellers, ramps, or mats to bridge the gaps or slopes between the dock and the trailer. You can also keep the surfaces clean and dry, and use anti-slip coatings or mats to prevent slips
5. Equipment in poor working order
Faulty or malfunctioning equipment can pose a risk of fire, explosion, or electrocution, or damage the goods or the vehicles. To maintain the equipment, you can conduct regular inspections, repairs, and replacements of the forklifts, dock levellers, dock seals, dock shelters, and other loading dock equipment. You can also train the workers on how to use and handle the equipment safely and correctly.
6. Lack of safe working procedures
Without clear and consistent rules and guidelines, workers may not know how to perform their tasks safely and efficiently. To establish safe working procedures, you can create and communicate standard operating procedures, checklists, and manuals for the loading and unloading of goods, the operation of equipment, and the handling of emergencies. You can also provide regular training and feedback to the workers on how to follow the procedures.
7. Hazards associated with lifting devices, trucks, rolling conveyors, doors and other moving equipment and parts.
Moving or rotating parts can pinch, crush, or cut workers or damage the goods or the vehicles. To protect the workers and the goods, you can use guards, covers, or sensors to prevent contact with the moving parts. You can also use warning signs, signals, or alarms to alert the workers of the presence or movement of the equipment.
Planning a new layout? Looking for new safety equipment?
Give us a ring at 0800 807 753 or email sales@ultigroup.co.nz and we’ll give you some great advice on how to go about it.
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