Tips to Keep Loading Dock Workers Safe

Workdays are always busy and filled with distractions and the last thing any company or employee wants is to deal with a workplace injury. Everyone has a responsibility to keep themselves and others safe in the workplace, especially in high-risk areas such as loading docks. Loading docks are designed as key entry/exit points to many businesses, so they must be safe and efficient. They are busy areas where heavy machinery, noise, high traffic and surfaces that can be exposed to various elements like weather, can contribute to an unsafe work environment if the right precautions are not taken. Whether you are an employer or an employee, it is essential to ensure you have the proper protective measures in place for any worker on a loading dock.

Loading Docks Safety Tips:

• Work, loading/unloading, and trailer areas should be appropriately lit and free of obstructions.
• Walk; do not run while in the loading dock area.
• Use proper lifting techniques
• Be aware of and keep a safe distance from the loading dock edges.
• Do not jump onto or off the loading dock. Separate or specific access to the loading dock area should be present and maintained at all times.
• Clear additional or loose strapping from crate items that may be tripping hazards
• Beware of chemical exposure, from leaking chemicals
• Make sure loading docks are properly maintained
• Beware of and quickly address the impacts of poor delivery weather conditions on surfaces
• Ensure all loading dock workers are wearing safe, supportive safety footwear

Proper Protective Footwear:
Slips, trips and falls are among the most common causes of injuries on a loading dock and can be avoided by taking the right precautions including wearing the right safety footwear. Here at Mister Safety Shoes, we recommend good traction soles that keep workers stable on a variety of surfaces and conditions (wet or dry); and ankle support from a fully laced hiker style work boot to provide support especially if workers are pushing and lifting heavy materials.

Everyone has a role to play in keeping the workplace safe. As an employer, it is essential to identify any activity or area where safety measures should be followed and communicate these measures to employees as part of a healthy & safety program As a worker, your duty is to ensure both yourself and your co-workers are following safety procedures. Most importantly, encourage everyone to report health and safety hazards or concerns as soon as they are identified to reduce the risk of injury For more information on Warehouse Safety, check out this article from WSPS.

You can rely on Mister Safety Shoes’ footwear experts to ensure workers are comfortable, safe and protected on the job. You can contact us with any questions you may have, shop at any of our retail locations or contact our business solutions team if you’re looking for a safety footwear program for your business.