The loading dock is often the busiest place in many industrial plants and warehouses. With deliveries coming in and workers all about, it can quickly become very hectic.
Unfortunately, such a hectic atmosphere often creates dangerous circumstances that increase the risk of industrial accidents.
Loading dock accidents happen too often
It makes sense that the center of the action in these workplaces also carries a higher chance of injuries, but that does not mean workers should be any less cautious.
It is easy to focus less on safety when workers grow accustomed to the job, but loading dock workers must always be on their guard. According to a 2017 report from Industrial Safety & Hygiene News (ISHN), 25% of industrial accidents happen at the loading dock. In particular, loading dock workers face a significant risk of injury from:
- Forklift accidents
- Collisions
- Slips and falls
- Even carbon monoxide poisoning
The injuries resulting from struck-by accidents or falls can often be serious, leading to several days away from work and a long recovery.
How can workers stay safe?
Recent reports indicate that there is a renewed focus on safety measures at the loading dock to prevent serious accidents, such as:
- Revamping training to improve safety
- Finding ways to increase visibility
- Adding safety technology to the loading dock
- Adjusting workplace safety standards
On top of these much-needed safety measures, workers must make sure they are putting safety first every day on the loading dock. Each day, workers should take time to inspect the loading dock according to their employer’s safety checklist. Even so, workers cannot control all aspects of the workplace. That is why it is essential to increase their awareness.
