It’s no secret that loading docks are one of, if not the most, treacherous area of any facility.

A quarter of all facility accidents occur every year at the loading dock, and for every incident that ends up happening there are another 600 near misses.

Add to that forklift safety struggles, which on their own lead to 34,000 emergency room visits in the United States each year.

To say forklift safety is challenging at the loading dock would be a grave understatement. 

Loading docks are often tight spaces with limited manoeuvrability requiring forklift operators to navigate past other equipment, pedestrians and plenty of obstacles all while safely loading and unloading materials.

Other challenges force operators to work with potentially low visibility, uneven surfaces, time constraints and the risk of falls.

These situations can create significant risks for your workforce. Prioritising your people’s safety protects your employees from harm and helps your business avoid costly consequences while fostering a culture of responsibility and respect for human life and well-being. 

Forklift safety at the loading dock is crucial to prevent accidents and injuries. It’s also critical to ensuring your loading dock, the center of all business coming in and out of your facility, stays operational. 

Here is a checklist of key safety, equipment and other tips to prioritise safety at the loading dock, prevent Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) violations and establish a robust safety management system: 

1. Inspect and properly install safety railings. When the right height and resistance, safety railings can eliminate the risk of falls. 
2. Don’t skip dock levelers. Dock levelers should eliminate the gap between trailers and the loading dock. Understanding the load capacity of your dock leveler is critical to ensure safe loading and unloading operations. Exceeding that capacity can lead to equipment damage or failures resulting in employee injuries and product damage. Invest time on the front end to reduce risk of injuries for your operators.
3. Incorporate trailer restraints. These restraints will cut the common risk of trucks pulling away from the loading dock while personnel are still inside or trailer tip-overs. Use in conjunction with wheel chocks and prioritise safety for your crew.
4. Keep your loading dock clean. Before your forklift operator starts, ensure there’s no debris, water or ice on the loading dock to prevent any possible sliding issues. 
5. Conduct risk assessments. Identify workplace hazards through comprehensive risk assessments. Regularly inspect facilities, equipment and processes to identify potential safety hazards and take proactive measures to address them.
6. Implement safety policies and procedures. Develop and implement clear and comprehensive safety policies and procedures tailored to your workplace. Ensure that all forklift operators are trained on safety protocols, hazard recognition and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
7. Provide adequate training. Ensure that your operators receive adequate safety training relevant to their roles and responsibilities. Offer training on topics such as hazard communication, fall protection, machine guarding, emergency procedures and equipment operation.
8. Promote a safety culture. Foster a culture of safety where your workforce is encouraged to prioritise safety and actively participate in safety initiatives. Empower workers to report hazards, near misses and safety concerns without fear of retaliation. Consider forming safety committees or designate safety representatives to facilitate communication, identify safety issues and collaborate on safety improvement initiatives.
9. Conduct regular inspections and audits. Schedule regular inspections and audits to monitor compliance with safety regulations and identify areas for improvement. Address any identified deficiencies promptly and implement corrective actions.
10. Provide adequate resources and encourage engagement. Allocate sufficient resources, including time, funding and personnel to support effective safety programs and initiatives. Invest in safety equipment, training materials and tools necessary to maintain a safe work environment. Involve employees in safety decision-making processes and encourage them to contribute ideas for improving safety practices and procedures. Recognise and reward employees for their commitment to safety.

By placing value on safety, investing in training and resources, and fostering a culture of safety, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of OSHA violations and citations while creating a safer and healthier workplace for their employees.