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Issue link: https://www.wsps.ca/resource-hub/i/1317181
5 © 2011, Safe Workplace Promotion Services Ontario, publicly known as Workplace Safety & Prevention Services. 1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | www.wsps.ca Loading Docks and Warehouses Threat Concussion Bruises Back Strain Foot injuries Safe Work Guidelines Make sure that the forks on your lift truck are always pointing up and that they are high enough to clear the dock plate or leveler Make sure that your lift truck is checked for hydraulic drift, which can cause forks to point down unexpectedly Make sure that air ride trailers are lowered to reduce the angle of the dock leveler Drive slowly over a dock plate or leveler Whenever possible, use a forklift to position portable dock plates Ensure that the dock plate is equipped with anchor stops and signs that indicate the size of load they can handle Make sure that dock levelers are fitted with skirt plates and toe guards so that your feet cannot be trapped Always look behind you that the path is clear Make sure that you report problems with levelers and ask for prompt servicing Hazard: 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