By Grainger Editorial Staff 2/3/20
There's a lot that can go wrong on a loading dock, so dock safety is an important consideration. With basic loading dock equipment, there's the possibility that human error or poor communication will lead to a loading dock incident. Fall-through, for example, occurs when powered industrial trucks attempt to travel in or out of a trailer that has drifted away from the dock. It's one of the most frequent loading dock incidents, according to ISHN Magazine, and is often caused by miscommunication or human error involving the wheel chocks and vehicle restraints that commonly secure trailers to the dock.
It may not be possible to eliminate mistakes completely, but technology and automation can help companies reduce miscommunication and human error on their loading docks. These newer loading dock technology options include signaling systems, motion sensors, unified control panels and mobile-enabled controls and readouts.
Here are four options and how they work:
Creating A Safer Dock
Loading docks are hazardous areas in any facility, which means that they're also an area where safety can be improved. New signaling technologies and automation tools may play a role in reducing the miscommunication and human error that can lead to incidents in these busy and important areas.
The information contained in this article is intended for general information purposes only and is based on information available as of the initial date of publication. No representation is made that the information or references are complete or remain current. This article is not a substitute for review of current applicable government regulations, industry standards, or other standards specific to your business and/or activities and should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. Readers with specific questions should refer to the applicable standards or consult with an attorney.