People who work in warehouses will agree that loading docks are some of the busiest elements of the operations. They are characterized by increased risks of accidents, injury, and worse. Implementing measures to help reduce risks and ensure a safe loading dock is an ongoing concern. One way to enhance safety around loading docks is making sure that all material handling equipment, including forklift trucks, is in the best shape. This calls for partnering with a reputable forklift dealer when looking to buy used forklifts for sale or to get forklift maintenance and repair services. In this blog, we take a look at other elements that contribute towards ensuring safer loading docks. Read on.
1. Ensure Employee Training
According to OSHA, all forklift operators should be trained and certified. This is important as the absence of proper training magnifies the risk of accidents that may result in harm to workers, inventory, and equipment. Conduct employee training on how to use and maintain the loading dock. They should be trained to utilize dock levelers during loading and unloading, as well as how to restrain trailers effectively.
2. Implement Service Program
It is important to schedule routine maintenance for your loading docks to ensure optimum safety as well as increased productivity and efficiency. A certified technician should regularly examine and service all your dock levelers, dock plates, truck restraints, and other bay equipment. This will also help you avoid sudden breakdowns and expensive repairs.
3. Utilize Safety Technology
Taking advantage of proven loading dock safety technology, floor markings, and keeping the warehouse clean all helps to ensure the safety of workers, loads, and equipment. Make sure to correctly use dock levelers to help with smooth, safe loading and unloading, and vehicle restraints to help prevent trailer separation accidents. A light communication system is also important as it offers visual reads to operators and loading dock staff.
4. Assess Every Load
It is very important for dock staff to inspect each and every load before unloading and loading. Make sure that workers are familiar with the loads and equipment as they vary from time to time. The loading equipment should be able to access the trailers, and you should make sure that the trailer floor capacity meets the weight capacity of the dock levelers.
Lastly
It is important to adhere to loading dock safety guidelines to ensure safety and improve efficiency. Make it point to rent or buy used forklifts for sale from trusted forklift dealers. Accurate Forklift has a huge inventory of used forklifts for sale at affordable prices. Our inventory is regularly maintained to make sure that it is in the best shape. To know more about available forklifts for sale and service packages, call 770-692-1455 or email sales@accurateforklift.net
