It happened so quickly that I didn’t even have time to react.

I was moving a box from the dock into a trailer. And I’m usually pretty aware of my surroundings, but I just didn’t see the extension cord on the floor.

Before I knew it, the box went flying and I was on my knees. I ended up with only a couple of bruises and the box didn’t hit anyone, but it could have been a lot worse.

Falls on the Loading Dock

Loading docks usually have a mix of pedestrian and lift truck traffic, pallets and boxes, and some general clutter. This creates a perfect storm for falls and injuries.

Falls are one of the most commonly reported injuries on loading docks. While there’s a risk of falling from one of the vacant doors, the majority of falls in loading docks are falls at the same level. And most of them are entirely preventable.

Common Fall Hazards on Loading Docks

The two biggest fall hazards at the loading dock are clutter and vacant docks.

Clutter

Packing, moving, and loading product tends to create a lot of clutter. On the floor of any given loading dock, you’re likely to find:

  • Cardboard
  • Shrink wrap
  • Production materials
  • Broken wooden pallets
  • Banding materials
  • Extension cords

Each and every single one of these items can be either a tripping or slipping hazard.

Thankfully, there’s a simple solution to this problem: good housekeeping practices.

Devote 10 to 15 minutes at the end of each shift for housekeeping tasks. This will keep clutter from accumulating day after day, and go a long way to ensuring that the floor stays clear.

Broken pallets and excess cardboard should be removed immediately – not at the end of the shift.

Taking proactive measures like these will reduce the risk of a fall and help prevent injuries.

Open Loading Docks

A loading dock that is left open with no trailer attached is an accident waiting to happen.

Most loading docks are about four feet high, which is enough to require fall protection according to OSHA standards.

But what about the ones that are just under four feet – the ones that are only about 46 inches from the ground? Do these require protection as well?

According to the letter of the law, they don’t. But that doesn’t mean they’re not dangerous. A four foot drop can still be incredibly dangerous for workers – even if you give or take a few inches. Because of this, all open loading docks should have fall protection in place, no matter the height. A safety barrier can prevent potentially fatal incident by stopping workers from falling off the edge or accidentally tipping over in a lift truck.

Additionally, most safety experts recommend painting the edge of the dock bright yellow. That won’t prevent a fall, of course. But it will make the risky areas more visible.

But the best way to manage this risk is to remove the hazard altogether. Consider amending your work practices to mandate that dock doors remain closed whenever they’re not in use.

What Employers Can Do to Prevent Falls on the Loading Dock

There are a few key ways that employers can prevent falls in the workplace and keep employees safe.

Develop a Safety Manual

Provide a clear and easy to read outline of the policies and procedures that employees must follow to prevent falls (and other injuries) on the loading dock. Make sure this document is easily accessible to all employees.

Offer Comprehensive Training

This training should cover common loading dock hazards, housekeeping procedures, and best practices while working in and around the dock. Every employee who works on the loading dock should have a clear understanding of how they can help maintain a safe work environment.

Conduct Regular Audits

It’s essential to review the safety procedures, housekeeping practices, and general loading dock conditions on a regular basis. This will give you a sense of how things are working and where there’s room for improvement.

Are your housekeeping procedures practical for the loading dock teams to implement? Do they sometimes get skipped – and if so, why?

Do your safety practices genuinely address the issues your workers face on a daily basis?

Has anything changed since your policies were last reviewed? Did any new hazards get introduced?

After every audit, update your safety plan based on the findings.

Safety Tips for Loading Dock Workers

There are several things workers can do to prevent falls while working on the loading dock. These include:

  • Taking part in housekeeping tasks: A clutter-free loading dock is a safer loading dock.
  • Dealing with clutter as you go: If you can, throw out wrapping and banding materials immediately instead of waiting until the end of the shift.
  • Watching your step: Make sure the path is clear before picking up and carrying a load.
  • Taking your time: Rushing makes it more likely that you’ll fail to notice a hazard before it’s too late.
  • Being careful near vacant docks: Vacant docks might not look dangerous, but they are. Stay away from the edge if you can.
  • Never jumping off the dock: Always use the designated exit, even if it’s a slight detour.

Conclusion

Falls may be one of the most commonly reported occupational injuries, but they can easily be prevented. By following housekeeping procedures, moving carefully around the loading area, and exercising caution around the loading dock doors, everyone can get through the day completely safe and sound.