Loading Dock Safety Tips

If you’re a truck driver, you’ll be spending at least some of your days at a loading dock either dropping off goods or picking them up. The loading dock can be a dangerous place as trucks, trailers, and forklifts are typically moving at the same time. There are risks for pinch point injuries from rolling doors, fall hazards from elevated docks and truck beds, and accidental collisions between equipment and workers—among other hazards.

Even if you aren’t the one doing the loading/unloading, it’s everyone’s job to make sure injuries and accidents are avoided. As a truck driver, you’re responsible for your safety and the safe transport of your load.

Therefore, in this article, we’ve provided some vital safety tips for truck drivers at the loading dock.

Loading Dock Safety Tips for Truckers

The following are the most common tips to ensure loading dock safety.

Lock the Truck

One of the major causes of accidents at loading docks is from trucks not being locked into place. Most of these vehicles “float away” from the loading dock because they aren’t locked into place properly. This not only puts the load at risk but also the workers.

Therefore, to lock the vehicle into place you need to chock your wheels, put your vehicle in park, and set your emergency brake.

Use Boards or Dock Plates

When picking up or dropping off a load there will be a gap between the loading dock and the trailer of the truck. Having to navigate around the gap while trying to load/unload the trailer can be quite difficult. In fact, this can lead to injuries and possible damage to the trailer and goods.

Therefore, to avoid this from happening, it’s best to add a dock plate or board to bridge the gap. We also suggest ensuring that the board or plate you use is in good condition so that they don’t end up breaking from the pressure.

Lookout for Slippery Surfaces and Debris

Since there’s constant activity going on, it’s not uncommon for debris or slippery substances to be left behind. Wet surfaces and trash can create numerous safety hazards at the loading dock.

Before you start loading/unloading, make sure you clear the area and remove anything that could pose a safety risk. Such things can include puddles, discarded boxes, and trash.

Watch Out for Other Vehicles

While you’re in the middle of loading/unloading, you may not be paying attention to your surroundings. Furthermore, since people and heavy machinery are moving around the loading area it can get pretty hectic. Therefore, you need to be on the lookout and pay attention to your surroundings. Failing to do so can lead to someone getting injured, equipment getting damaged, or goods being broken.

Bottom Line

Loading dock jobs can be quite dangerous for everyone involved since there are plenty of hazards around. However, following simple safety tips can help. We suggest you stay alert and keep an eye on your surroundings, watch out for slippery surfaces and debris, use plates or boards to bridge the gap between the loading dock and trailer, and lock your truck. These simple tips are quite effective in reducing loading dock safety hazards.