Slips, trips and falls are the highest occurring injuries across all industries, including trucking. Something as simple
as entering and exiting the truck cab can put you at risk for a serious injury.
Below are some tips to avoid these common injuries.
Loading dock safety:
• Ensure locking devices are in place each time you begin to unload at a dock
• Be mindful of marked and unmarked walkways, barriers, parking blocks and doorways that could be a trip hazard
• Make sure available barricades are in place on the edges of the dock
• When barricades are not available note the areas and avoid getting too close to the edge
• Do not take part in dock jumping which can lead to knee, ankle and back injury
• Ensure that dock plates or boards are in good condition and are intended for the load amounts that will be used
Housekeeping:
• Ensure docking areas have good housekeeping
• Inspect truck/trailer floors before loading or unloading
• Watch out for areas of concern such as oil spots, broken pallets, debris and loose or missing handrails
• Take time to pick up/clean the area if needed before loading or unloading
3 Points of Contact:
• Use the 3 points of contact when entering or exiting the cab or trailer (using two feet and one hand or two hands and one foot at a given time)
• Always use designated railing and steps
• Use 3 points of contact when climbing onto a tarped load; when possible use a fall restraint system