MANAGING RISKS IN LOADING DOCK AND WAREHOUSE ENVIRONMENTS
2
100-CAU-01-IGDO © 2025, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)
1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | WSPS.CA
Hazard 1: Shrink Wrapping and Improper Assembly of Loads
Details
Wrapping loads by hand requires you to use poor body mechanics and circle the load many times.
This can also cause dizziness and cause you to stray into oncoming equipment and traffic
Poorly constructed loads on pallets can collapse, creating lifting hazards or falling on delivery staff
or pedestrians
Threat
Low back injury
Wrist and muscle strain
Possible injury to your shoulders and upper back
Crush injury, bruising or broken bones
Safe Work Guidelines
Whenever possible, use automated wrapping equipment
If you must wrap by hand:
– use ergonomically correct tools, and
– rotate to other jobs so that you do not have to wrap too many loads on a shift
Order shrink-wrap on spools that have a wide diameter and are light
Wrap skids in one specific area and make sure that all equipment operators are aware of this area
To reduce shoulder and upper back injury when you are wrapping make sure that skids are not built
above shoulder height
Alternate your wrapping direction and techniques
Fill the hollow inside of loads with air pillows or used shrink-wrap
If you are a driver use ergonomic lifting, pulling and reaching devices such as "lambs' hooks"
Make sure that you are trained in product integrity and how to build stable loads
If possible, go out with the driver on a regular delivery, so that you will understand how the way you
assemble orders can affect the drivers job
WSPS.CA
