Loading Dock Safety Tips

When it comes to security in your warehouse, the loading dock is an essential part of the list. You need to be sure that everything is as secure as possible on the loading dock, to prevent injuries. This means you’ll need to focus on some specific products and ways to keep the area secure.

Install a Warning Light System

The warning light system is an important part of safety for truck drivers and employees alike. The lights can flash red if there is movement in the truck loading area and will prevent the trucks from going anywhere. Once the light is green, they know they are able to move into the area or leave without putting anyone at risk.

The light system may be simple, but it is still extremely useful and can prevent injury and death.

Use Lorry and Wheel Restraints

Restraints prevent movement throughout the loading and unloading of products. The restraints attach the lorry trailer to the building and prevent movement so that even if your workers are straddling the lorry and the loading dock, there’s no risk that the lorry will pull away and leave them to fall. This is particularly important if you have forklifts moving on and off the truck. Even a small movement could be dangerous.

Wheel restraints also prevent unwanted movement.

Add Barriers

Barriers are an important safety feature. They can be used to prevent falls from the loading dock’s raised surface by keeping people from getting too close to the edge. The actual loading zone can be marked off with bollards to help prevent anyone from wandering accidentally into an area where heavy equipment will be running.



Install the Right Garage Door

The garage door you install should be up to regulations for the loading dock and provide security. It’s usually a good idea to look at high speed doors that can be opened and closed rapidly. This keeps the temperature inside at a level place, rather than changing drastically due to the door being open too long. Automatic doors are also a good idea.

Need a high speed commercial garage door? We offer them at Thoroughbred Doors.