Loading docks are a critical point in the materials handling process, and they also have the potential to be dangerous and even life-threatening if proper safety procedures aren’t followed.
Like most safety measures, a good dose of common sense goes a long way.
There are no shortage of potential accident spots on a loading dock, and a procedure or two that will keep your forklift operator, your other employees, and your forklift perfectly safe at all times.
Maybe the most obvious, the edge of the dock. Forklifts can fall off an empty dock if the operator is unaware of the location of the lift. Having a spotter can help prevent accidents like this.
Roll-a-ways cause plenty of accidents as well. Make sure locking devices- chocks and emergency brakes- are put into use anytime the forklift is stopped and the driver steps away.
Padding, yellow caution paint, and guards can help protect your people and your facility from accidents. Make sure your staff is completely trained and knows the layout of the loading dock before they are cleared to work on it.
Dock boards and plates, the metal ramps that bridge the gap between the dock and the truck and assist in moving materials on and off the trailer. Dock workers should be trained on the proper use of the boards. Improperly placed boards can flip and cause major accidents.
Dock lights should be used when possible to illuminate the interiors of trailers.
Finally, proper training of your forklift operator. Make sure your operator knows proper procedures on inclines- for example only move loads in reverse when the forklift is moving down a ramp.
OSHA has a complete rundown of forklift/loading dock safety procedures and of course our experts can help you figure out your own best practices for your own facility. Get in contact with us and we’ll assist you in developing these guidelines and procedures.