MANAGING RISKS IN LOADING DOCK AND WAREHOUSE ENVIRONMENTS
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100-CAU-01-IGDO © 2025, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)
1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | WSPS.CA
Hazard 6: Dock Levellers and Portable Dock Plates
Details
A lift truck may hit the dock leveler or its frame if the operator does not point the forks up while
driving into the trailer
The angle of the dock onto an air ride trailer may be too steep, causing the lift truck operator to lose
control as the equipment 'skis' over the sharp angle
Operators may receive repeated shocks to the spine when speeding over uneven (raised) dock plates
Portable dock plates have to be lifted and may collapse if they are not secured
Levellers may pop up too soon
An unbalanced load or poor shock on the trailer may cause the leveler to lift up on one side, throwing
the operator off the lifting equipment
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
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