Ask loading dock workers about the risks associated with loading docks, and the chances are you will find most of them uttering a single answer: there are many, exposing workers to several life-threatening hazards.

According to a few reports, thousands of workers get injured at loading docks every year. Those reports further state that more than 25% of warehouse accidents and near misses happen at loading docks. However, these mis happenings are avoidable by following some safety rules, including rack safety. If you own a warehouse loading dock or work there, here are a few safety measures you should always take to prevent loading dock accidents:

1. Mark floors to indicate where walking is safe: You probably didn’t know this, but the most common hazards that take place at loading bays involve workers getting hit by forklifts or other equipment. But you can prevent such accidents by clearly marking the floor with yellow tape so that workers know the safe walking area. You can use different types of signs or marking items to let the workers, as well as others, know about the walking area. 

2. Incorporate visual dock communication: If you can install traditional red/green or stop/go light signals to inform vehicle drivers about the right time to enter and stop, you can prevent many hazards. These lights offer effective communication to drivers on-site, which eventually reduces loading docks incidents. Any kind of miscommunication could lead to an accident or unwanted situation that could harm anyone or even delay the loading process. 

3. Use safety racks on every truck: The rack safety is meant to ensure that bars, loads stored inside the truck pose no harm to workers while unloading. Many innovative safety racks are available these days made for trucks. The unexpected separation of the trailer from the truck is another major reason for mishappening at loading docks.

4. Clean loading dock area regularly: Slipping or tripping because of water, oil spillage, and other elements on the floor is common at loading docks. However, by cleaning the area regularly, you can significantly reduce the frequency of slips, falls, and trips. To avoid any accidents, you need to make sure that the loading area is clean properly. Even a water could make the floor slippery and engender the life of the employees as well as the shipping cargo items. 

5. Put padding on sharp edges: During loading and unloading at the dock, workers run into uncovered sharp edges and injure themselves. This is why covering those sharp edges can easily prevent injuries and ensure the safe shipment of the products. Along with this, the best shipping companies provide Yangming tracking, and you would know the location of your cargo in real-time. 

In a nutshell

Whether you own a loading dock or work there, it’s always best to incorporate safety practices, including safety compliance, to ensure no accidents occur at your site. For the best quality safety equipment and rack, you can look out for suppliers who specialize in that equipment while meeting compliance. However, it’s crucial to choose the right supplier.

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