10 Tips To Improve Your Loading Dock Safety

Docks for loading goods might be risky! Did you know that loading docks account for around 25% of all recorded warehouse injuries and hundreds of near misses for every incident?

We at RAFRamps are experienced in the past 23 years of manufacturing some of the top custom or bespoke dock levelers in UAE for the military, government, logistics, transport, hospitality and food sectors. We have recently released a set of new dock leveler features which prevents fall-off from dock leveler by enabling to stop dock leveler in any step.

Workers tripping and falling in the space between trucks and loading docks is one of the causes of dock injuries. There have been many accidents where forklifts have slipped off after backing off platforms causing major injuries or, in extreme cases, death. Investing in safety measures for your loading docks is crucial in light of these potential risks.

Here are ten ideas to keep the area around your loading dock secure:

1. Make sure to read the manufacturer’s guidelines

All operators must read and comprehend the handbook to become familiar with the dock leveler and its controls before using them. The instructions will include information on safety precautions, product features, maintenance schedules, troubleshooting guides, component breakdowns, warranties, and contact information in case of issues.

2. A Competent person needs to operate the Dock Leveler

One must know all the guidelines and become accustomed to the leveler before operating it. The instructions will include information on safety precautions, product features, maintenance schedules, troubleshooting guides, component breakdowns, warranties, and contact information in case of issues.

3. Understand the potential risks

Running a dock leveler outside of the manufacturers guidelines can have potential hazards such as:

Crushing
Shearing
High-pressure fluid ejection
Loss of stability
Slip, trip and fall
Electrical contact
Failure of energy supply
Failure, malfunction of control system

Your HSE officer must talk to the manufacturer about the safety steps to take to operate the dock leveler and train the operators on the right way to operate the dock leveler.

4. Practice Safe Operating Procedures

To prevent hazardous situations and keep your operators safe, adhere to these procedures.

Never use the equipment if unauthorized personnel are in the operating area.
Keep your hand, foot and any other body part away from the moving parts.
Keep away from the dock leveller when a trailer approaches or leaves the loading bay.
Never operate the equipment if the dock leveler is damaged.
Contact the manufacturer to repair and service the equipment first.
It’s essential to keep a safe distance on all side edges of the truck.
Dock levelers are not to be used when the truck’s height is higher or lower.
If it’s overloaded, the truck could tip over.
There are many other devices that can be used to level a truck, and they’re much safer than dock levelers.

5. The Gradient

Dock levels are designed so that the gradient in the operation position does not exceed + 12,5% (approximately +7°).

The areas of docks where persons or transportation equipment may rest shall also be made to be anti-slippery.

Water runs away from the surface of this bottle.

6. Keep on top of Maintenance

Ensure that competent persons maintain all your levelers in accordance with the manufacturers’ guidelines.
The type of prop or mechanical device fitted should support the unloaded leveler at its maintenance position and allow maintenance work to be completed safely.

7. Document your results

Record the result of every inspection in writing, noting the date, the competent person’s name and address, and their signature.
The warranty is void if the dock levelers are not regularly maintained or operating instructions are ignored.
The dock levelers are manufactured for the use of competent persons and operating instructions must be followed to keep the equipment in good working order.

8. Employ a Competent Electrician

You must hire a qualified electrician to work on your dock leveler. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions on how to fit the dock leveler.

9. Display the Right Signage

Before attempting to troubleshoot, always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, always ask the manufacturer to install the leveler and check the functioning before the handover.