Protect Your Crew from Loading Dock Injuries

As noted in Prevent Loading Dock Accidents, terminal and customer loading docks can be very dangerous places to work and are the source of many workplace injuries. To prevent serious and even deadly consequences, dock workers must use caution and adhere to the following safety guidelines at all times.

IN AND AROUND THE VEHICLE

• Secure open trailer doors before backing to prevent them from swinging.
• Evaluate surroundings prior to backing.
• Back slowly, using a guide to provide direction.
• Set all parking brakes and chock all trailer wheels.
• Leave tractor hooked to trailer, unless otherwise instructed.
• Never pull away from the dock until it has been verified that the loading or unloading process is complete, the trailer is vacated and no one will reenter.

ON THE DOCK

• Stand away from doors when opening a loaded trailer. Boxes that shifted during travel could fall out when the doors open.
• Stay clear of forklifts, pallet jacks and other machinery.
• Do not operate any machinery or equipment without certification and company authorization.
• Never jump down from a dock or trailer. Always use the three-point system of contact.
• Ensure the load is secured properly before the vehicle pulls away from the dock.
  

To help prevent your dock workers from being injured, Baldwin & Lyons is offering free copies of our Forklift Operator Safety Alert and Loading Docks Safety Tips handout cards, while supplies last. To order these handout cards, contact the Loss Prevention Resource Library at 317-636-9800 or email your request to thequill@baldwinandlyons.com. The cards are also available in PDF.

Please refer to the Resource Library for video training programs to help keep your workers injury-free.

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