At the heart of every logistics operation lies the loading bay. How well accidents are prevented in the loading bay will, as a result, have a massive impact on the day-to-day operations of any company dealing with physical goods. We take a look at some of the most important things to consider when it comes to loading bay safety, to help you mitigate risk in this accident-prone area. Thank you to the Joloda Hydraroll team for their assistance with the below guide.
Keep floors clean
One of the most common causes of accidents in loading bays is dirty floors. Even small spills can have significant ramifications, with oil spills requiring special attention. Make sure that loading areas are never used to store items, and that waste management points are located at regular intervals.
Small pieces of packaging can get stuck in machinery, in addition to posing a tripping hazard. Broken or cracked concrete must be reported immediately, as even thin raised surfaces can cause wheels to skid or people to trip. Ensuring that all docks are properly sealed is important, as it ensures no rain will get through during storms.
Stay on top of training
Make sure that all workers are regularly trained on loading dock procedures and appropriate behaviour in the area. Loading dock edges should be treated with care, and marked with highly visible strips or tape or paint.
Sturdy footwear should be worn with ankle support and grippy rubber soles, to prevent slipping. Simple rules like not chatting on the dock, and no running, can also have a significant impact in the long run.
Lorry protocols
There are some simple protocols to have in place for loading trucks. Make sure that engines are
turned off, in order to prevent the build-up of carbon monoxide and other dangerous fumes.
Consider having a waiting room for drivers, to ensure that lorries don’t drive off while loading is still occurring. It’s pleasant for drivers, and ensures that engines are turned off when necessary. In addition to having engines off, chocking both truck and trailer wheels ensures that the trailer will remain totally still while goods are being placed inside.
Loading protocols
It’s also important that loading and unloading are carried out in an appropriate manner. Forklifts and other lifting aids should be used whenever possible, as they prevent strain-related injuries and are generally more efficient. Gloves should be worn to avoid slippage, and all workers should be trained on appropriate lifting techniques.
At their simplest, these techniques include lifting with the back straight and knees bent, so that the legs do the lifting rather than placing irregular loads on the spine. Heavy items should be loaded on the bottom, with most weight over axels. Unbalanced trucks are more prone to tipping over, and can be a nightmare to drive.