MANAGING RISKS IN LOADING DOCK AND WAREHOUSE ENVIRONMENTS
9
100-CAU-01-IGDO © 2025, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)
1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | WSPS.CA
Hazard 7: Dock Congestion and Separation from Dock
Details
Lack of space, poor layout or standard procedures can cause dock areas to be very congested
Congestion increases the chance of colliding with other equipment, racking or pedestrians
Forklift operators may be tempted to drive over levelers, which can fail causing the machine to fall
out of the building
The force created every time a lift truck enters and leaves the trailer may cause the trailer to slowly
move away (this is called trailer creep)
Separation also occurs when the tractor driver pulls away before the trailer is ready
Threat
Crushing
Foot injuries
Bruises and cuts
Death due to a fall
Safe Work Guidelines
Develop a traffic management process that reduces congestion
Make more space by using pallet distributors or storing surplus skids out of the way
Create separate zones for pedestrian activities
Pay attention to pedestrian safety rules and safety boot policy
Encourage truck drivers to stay in safe waiting areas
Do not allow anyone in the truck when a forklift is working in it
Do not allow anyone to drive over a collapsed dock leveler
Move product that contributes to blind corners
Use a suitable vehicle restraint system (e.g., wheel chocks or dock locking system)
Ensure that your workplace uses a procedure to prevent trucks from pulling away early (e.g., ask the
driver to hand over the keys until you are finished or use a glad hand device to lock on the brake lines)
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