The HSE states that 15 per cent of all reported workplace transport injuries happened during loading or unloading. It also claims that of these accidents, almost all were avoidable. Loading bays have always attracted a reputation of being notoriously busy and dangerous operating areas but does that really need to be the status quo? Andy Miller, key account manager of Pickerings Lifts’ Loading Systems, explores how companies can ensure loading bay safety without compromising on productivity.

VertiCoolMany vital decisions regarding safety are made about a loading bay before it is operational and this can be where mistakes are made. It’s not a case of installing some safety features and dusting off your hands as a job well done, loading safety is a continuous process.

Particularly in new build distribution centres or loading bays which have adapted their use due to a change in business demand the areas being worked in aren’t always fit for purpose. Simple, yet vitally important features such as errors in the working height of a dock occurs or the gradient of a slope which vehicles back onto aren’t correct and with common issues such as these it’s not a question of if an accident will take place, it’s when it will.

The good news is that preventing avoidable accidents is simple. A good place to start would be for architects and contractors of new build sites to work in partnership with a loading bay consultant to ensure the facility is not only safe but also efficient. Moving forward, it’s important a process of modernisation, maintenance and also adaption is put into place to make sure that the safety controls remain in-line with standards and the business’ true or changing needs.

This process enables some of the more common areas for mistakes to be reduced significantly, take for example the problem of creeping and drive offs – both issues for serious safety concern. When the weight changes in a vehicle during loading or unloading it can jolt forward and increase the gap between the bay and the vehicle – causing a potential hazard to people working in or around the loading bay.

Drive offs are another matter completely. This typically happens due to driver error when a left hand drive vehicle mistakenly moves off after reading its neighbouring traffic signal.

By using restraints the safety on site could be improved markedly. Restraints hold a vehicle in place with a hydraulic or mechanically operated wheel chock. They can also act as a guide for reversing into the dock position to prevent damage to the seal and shelter.

The height of a vehicle load can vary considerably due to its weight and the type of load it’s carrying. This means the height difference between the loading bay platform and the vehicle platform may vary too.

Dock levellers could prevent this variance and provide a safe area for work to take place, however, sometimes it’s not always possible to get a complete balance. In occasions such as this the HSE recommends having the vehicle at a lower level to the platform rather than one slightly higher.

As previously mentioned loading bay safety can’t be achieved without a long term and continuous strategy. Just like any other part of a business’ building from time-to-time safety controls need to be maintained and modernised. Loading bays are high traffic areas and although all safety controls are designed to be strong and withstand high impact they will not last forever. Particularly items such as dock levellers, roller shutters and industrial section doors need to be serviced on a regular basis to keep their optimum performance.

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Maintenance doesn’t just include planned contractor visits, it should also extend to keeping the loading bay clean and free from hazards such as removing road debris, keeping safety signs visible and refilling potholes.

A simple area of safety control which businesses often make mistakes with is communicating their processes to their employees. Having physical controls are obviously paramount but it’s only half the battle and those working in the loading bay need to have a clear understanding of what is required of them and also what the loading areas safety procedure is.

It’s also an important point to make sure that this communication shouldn’t just stay within the loading bay. Instead this should be extended to all employees who may have reason to visit.

Loading bay safety shouldn’t be an arduous task and it certainly shouldn’t hinder productivity but instead enhance it by creating a more usable environment. The old adage that prevention is better than a costly cure could not be more relevant to loading bay safety.

Pickerings Lifts

Tel: 01642 607161

www.pickeringslifts.co.uk

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