With all the hustle and bustle of rushing to get trucks loaded and unloaded quickly, loading docks are one of the most notorious accident zones in a warehouse. This is especially true as the work done around the loading dock becomes day-to-day routine and workers become complacent to the actual dangers surrounding this work area.  Approximately 25 percent of all reported warehouse injuries occur on loading docks, and for each incident hundreds of near misses occur.

The Occupational Safety and Hazard Administration (OSHA) regulates all loading dock activity occurring at plants, shipyards, factories, warehouses and other locations. The federal agency warns workers to remain cautious when preparing the trailer and dock for loading and unloading in docking areas.

The federal agency recommends that workers take special precautions including:

• Remaining aware of tail swings
• Maintaining a safe distance from the loading dock edge
• Keeping all work surfaces clean and clear, and
• Use equipment, devices, reflected gear and paint that improve visibility to the truckers that are approaching or leaving the dock.

The following are inexpensive ways to improve safety in the warehouse, specifically around the loading dock area:

1. Guardrails

Falls from the loading dock are common reasons for injury. These include cases where forklifts fall off docks while backing up. OSHA requires that wall openings and holes from which there is a drop of more than 4 feet should be guarded by an actual fall protection barrier. The most straightforward way to address this requirement would be to keep the loading dock door closed when not in use, however, this is not a practical solution for many. Some plants choose to keep doors open for ventilation, while others do it for efficiency. It’s easier to see trucks coming and be ready to spring into action, rather than spending extra time opening and closing doors.   

If a physical barrier is not in place, loading docks should have a visual barrier to keep pedestrians within walkways or protect them against elevated edges. Dock screens can be easily rolled up and allow fresh air ventilation to pass through. A dock chain is inexpensive. It can be placed in front of the large opening and can be a sufficient warning. The chain should be a bright yellow color, which is the international color for caution.

2. Floor Marking Paint or Tape

Speaking of the international color for caution, floor edges and loading dock borders should be painted yellow to improve visibility. Use yellow paint or apply heavy-duty yellow vinyl tape to mark caution areas. OSHA states that “Permanent aisles and passageways shall be appropriately marked.” Marking the floor edges around the loading dock can help draw attention to the area, ensuring people walk well around the opening. Although we recommend yellow, there are no official requirements for floor marking colors. OSHA Interpretations do state, however, that floor marking lines must be at least 2" wide to ensure maximum visibility.

3. Lights

Proper lighting in the loading dock area can make a world of difference making work both safe and productive. Because properly lit tractor trailers at the loading dock are critical in keeping workers safe, OSHA standard 1910 requires loading docks are well lighted for safety. Safety is the No.1 priority, but adequate lighting as trucks back in to unload will also reduce accidents that lead to damaged product as well as damage to the loading dock itself. Loading dock lights come in many different sizes, some with swivel arms. 

4. Chock Wheels

Trailer creep and premature departure are two preventable issues that can be solved with a wheel chock safety system. These inexpensive tire blockers can prevent the unintentional forward movement of a stationary trailer. When a truck pulls up to a loading dock, the driver or dock site attendant can easily wedge a wheel chock manually in front of the truck’s rear tire. After loading or unloading is complete, the chock is removed and stored. Safety yellow caution signs can also be posted to alert drivers to use the wheel chocks.

For additional questions about safety products sold by BlackHawk Industrial, give us a call. We’re happy to help. Our mission is to provide innovative, value-added services and products that reduce our customer’s total cost. Feel free to contact us for more information.

BlackHawk Industrial

1501 SW Expressway Drive

Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74012

[email protected]

Toll Free: 855-610-1001