There is nothing that provides a better return than the investment you make in safety. Loading dock environments may be dangerous work areas and need safety features to protect workers and your business. Many of these features in the loading dock safety are vehicle restraints, lights, or wheel chocks, which keep trucks, forklifts, and other vehicles in place while cargo moves back and forth.

You and your employees need to learn several things to ensure the safety of yourself and your fellow workers. Safety Products include Vehicle Restraints to securely hold a truck to the dock during loading, wheel chocks, light communication between the truck driver and dock personnel, and safety barriers on an open dock.

Dock Safety

It is essential to verify the automatic vehicle restraints or wheel chocks when trailers are set to unload or load. These safety systems prevent the trailer from separating from the dock. Additionally, the automatic restraints clasp into the rear impact guard. They also give you additional security, as the door locks hold the truck and trailer against the building. If you use a dock plate, check it before using it and ensure it can safely and efficiently support the load.

Vehicle Restraints

Vehicle restraints are a vital part of a loading dock safety system. Their primary duty is to lock trailers into position at the loading dock when loading and unloading. This prevents the truck from pulling out too soon or rolling out of place.

They also help close the gap between the vehicle and the dock, a safety hazard that employees can fall through. Besides safety, restraints can reduce the chance of stolen trucks.

Types of Vehicle Restraints

Hydraulic Vehicle Restraints use hydraulic cylinders to power the unit. An internal automatic pressure switch keeps the arm of the restraint in a locked position while in operation. Dock attendants use a control panel to operate the arm.

Electric Vehicle Restraints use an electro-mechanical hook. This configuration also uses touch controls to engage and disengage the arm. Hooks are often more helpful for vehicles with damaged or bent rearguards.

Mechanical vehicle restraints are the most economical and are manually operated by dock employees. For efficiency and ease of operation, they don’t require any power.

Wheel Chocks

Wheel chocks are another great way to stabilize vehicles and another option for safety equipment. Shaped like a pyramid, it stops the truck while operators load objects on and off the trailer.

Yet, wheel chocks don’t work if they are smashed, cracked, broken, or missing pieces. Regularly inspect your facility’s wheel chocks and replace them when needed.

The use of Barriers to Prevent Falls

Loading docks are four feet above the ground, allowing your dock equipment to run more efficiently when loading or unloading. Also, opening the loading dock provides sunlight, ventilation, and easy traffic.

Consider adding a loading dock safety barrier. They are cost-effective yet essential investments that can help prevent accidents, injuries, and damage to products or equipment.

Lights

Increase safety at the loading dock with dock lights that provide energy-efficient illumination inside the trailer. Movable arms have a 40″ reach and position the lights as needed or completely out of the way.

These lights’ rugged polycarbonate housing and electric components are designed to withstand impacts and the rigors of the loading dock—choice of the sturdy dual or single arm for vertical and horizontal adjustability. Add a fan to help keep workers comfortable when it’s warm.