The loading dock is the central hub of activity for virtually any commercial building. This is where product enters and exits your facility countless times per day. Any area that is a central hub for activity is also a place that is at high risk for accidents.
High activity areas are also areas that can suffer from inefficient practices as well. But there are products out there that can help any business run a safe and efficient loading dock. Loading dock products will help your business with everything from employee and product safety to helping improve your bottom line.
Top Reasons for Inefficiency and Safety Issues in the Loading Dock Area
While there are countless reasons that incidents could happen on your loading dock, there always seem to be things that reoccur as causes for these such incidents. Let’s take a look at the most common reasons for inefficiency and safety issues in the loading dock area.
Slips, trips, and falls – items in your loading dock area can cause your employees to slip, trip or fall. This means lost productivity and workers comp bills for your business.
Trailer creep – trailers don’t instantly connect to your building. Trailers that move can cause multiple problems for a loading dock.
Waste of energy/electricity – wasting energy is common around loading docks and can cause large electricity bills if you aren’t careful.
Lack of attention – workers can lose focus for many reasons, but distractions can trigger an accident.
Airborne toxins – anything from fumes to dust can harm your workers and damage productivity or even product.
Products that Will Help Improve Safety and Efficiency in Your Loading Dock Area
Now that we’ve reviewed some of the most common problems that can happen on a loading dock let’s look at some of the best products to help prevent these common problems.
Investing in fans and ventilation systems – proper ventilation systems, as well as fans, can help clear out any toxins that are in your facility.
Scheduling software and loading dock accessories – scheduling software can help you make sure you stagger the arrival and departure of trucks in your dock. Other accessories such as stop & go light systems can help both employees and other trucks see one another in the dock area.
Loading dock restraints and levelers – these devices will make sure trailers can’t come loose from the building or leave before it is time. These also provide safety to workers loading/unloading the trailers.
Loading dock shelters and seals – shelters and seals will help keep your facility and product at a consistent temperature as well as keep out dust/dirt/other outside elements.
Contact Authority Dock & Door to Learn More About Our Options
Every building that has a loading dock is plagued by similar issues regarding safety and efficiency. Luckily, there are products that can serve as terrific solutions and help businesses overcome these challenges. Simple investments in these products will make significant changes in your daily process.
