Loading terminals and docks can be dangerous areas since this where vehicles and heavy machinery are regularly moving and being operated. According to Industrial Safety & Hygiene News, an estimated 25% of all accidents happen in and around loading areas. The costs associated with loading dock accidents are estimated at around $135 million, with an average of 95,000 incidents reported annually.
It’s imperative that workers follow basic safety rules in order to achieve safer loading terminal operations. For example, workers in loading areas should always wear adequate safety equipment, this includes things like hard hats, gloves, and proper safety glasses. Operators should also ensure they’re always aware of their surroundings, evaluate their environment and know where machinery and moving vehicles are present. Just by following these straightforward precautions, workers operating within loading docks can maintain a safer environment which is the first step towards preventing accidents and injuries from occurring.
Every year the most common type of injury in loading terminals literally falls into the Slips, Trips, and Falls (STFs) category. Each year STFs cost businesses billions of dollars in loss of productivity, insurance premium increases, and having to train or replace workers. Injuries related to falls are one of the leading causes of job-related disabilities and employee’s having to take time off work. Fortunately, there are several steps business can take to increase safety and prevent these costly accidents from occurring. Facilities should install safe access and fall protection systems in areas where workers would be at risk of falling. Safety managers should do a complete evaluation of the facility and ensure that all employees have proper training on best practices and the organization’s safety procedures. By taking these steps and precautions you can minimize the risks of slips, trips, and falls within your loading terminal.
Loading Terminal Safety Training is a Must
As one of the busiest industrial environments, loading terminals are a key part of the logistics industry. With the constant moving of vehicles and machinery, loading terminals must have a safety plan in place to prevent injuries and accidents from occurring. These environments can be dangerous, and operators working at loading docks must have proper training in order to safely load and unload trucks and other vehicles. Safety procedures should include wearing necessary safety gear, understanding and utilizing proper loading techniques, and following correct loading sequences. Workers must also know where potential hazards are located both in and around the loading areas, such as slippery surfaces, moving vehicles, machinery types, and where heavy equipment is being used. By ensuring these safety protocols are followed, terminal operators can help prevent accidents and injuries from occurring.
Adequate safety training not only educates, but also promotes interaction and collaboration between team members; this increases professional and personal dynamics which in return positively impacts the productivity of the facility. New policies and procedures are always being added to terminal operations, so facility training is something that must always be continued on a regular basis. Facility and safety managers should regularly review every aspect of the facility in order to adapt and train on best practices. Training should not only act as a reminder but should also be a way to convey new processes and to educate workers, providing them with the tools they need for optimal safety. Staying on top of these things can minimize injuries, accidents, and boost their productivity. Safe access products such as industrial safety gates and guardrails can be used to reduce risk and increase operations. By investing in the right safety equipment, facility and safety managers can create a working environment that’s safer for their team. In addition to safety equipment and fall protection solutions, managers should also ensure their team is properly educated on loading terminal safety processes and procedures. Just by following these steps, you can reduce the risks associated with loading and unloading operations and drastically improve overall productivity.
Find out how you can decrease terminal injuries by scheduling a free consultation with our team.
To learn more visit OSHA’s fall protection page at https://www.osha.gov/fall-protection.
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