Loading Dock Safety Equipment Prevents Accidents

Loading dock accidents can be avoided by taking proven precautions. Warehousing and Distribution have been among the most hazardous of all industries.  A single accident can total as much as one million dollars in insurance, down-time and liability costs. An expense that can cause financial hardship effecting the entire operation.

Without a Dock Lip Barrier Forklift Roll-off will occurTo ensure employee safety and an efficient product transfer system, think of safety first.

Several styles of loading dock safety systems are readily available.  They are designed to accommodate various dock configurations to minimize the potential of situations such as:

  • unscheduled truck departure
  • trailer theft
  • collapsing landing gear
  • trailer creep
  • dock leveler freefall

The fact that every loading dock is characterized with its own special requirements make it impossible to apply a single style of safety system to every installation.  What must be addressed is the selection of a safety system that offers the greatest protection against an accident at each particular loading area.

Incorporating one or a combination of the following devices will reduce the potential of a loading dock accident.

TL85 in applicationVehicle Restraint

Vehicle Restraints are designed to hold the trailer in place by locking onto the steel bumper, commonly referred to as the ICC (Interstate and Commerce Commission) Bar, that extends down from the rear of the trailer.  This prevents premature vehicle departure that could cause serious injury.

Communication Light Systems

A two way high visibility light system that indicates to the operator that a truck is in position and indicates to the driver that the loading/unloading process is still in progress.  The high visibility traffic style indicator light mounts to the exterior wall along with the warning signs.  They are positioned so the driver can see them easily and clearly.  The light system should be interlocked to a vehicle restraint or to the dock leveler for increased safety.

Hydraulic Dock Levelers with Auto Return

Hydraulic dock levelers are downward biased by design.  When the trailer pulls away the leveler deck and lip assembly will lower to the lowest operating position which is below the dock surface.  By equipping the leveler with “Auto Return” the unit will return automatically to the stored position after the truck departure.  This eliminates the potential of a dangerous recess that would be present if the leveler were below dock surface.

Without a Dock Lip Barrier Forklift Roll-off will occurSafety Barrier

A safety barrier can be installed at virtually any loading bay door.  Safety barriers protect against accidental injury and damage due to fork trucks going over the edge of the loading dock or impacting the overhead door.

Equipment Training

Installing loading dock safety equipment is the first step towards minimizing hazardous and costly accidents.  The loading dock personnel must then be educated and trained on how to use the equipment and identify the waring signals.  If a person does not fully understand a particular piece of equipment they are likely to not use it.  Safety equipment that is not utilized cannot protect anyone.  It is the employers responsiblity to ensure proper training is provided for the loading dock workers.

Dynamic Dock and Door can provide you with equipment recommendations and after sales training to ensure proper equipment selection and use.