Step into our guide on dock safety, where we explore the vital realm of accident prevention with the savvy use of vehicle restraints. Uncover how these crucial tools become guardians of loading dock operations, creating a safe and accident-free space.
Preventing Loading Dock Accidents: The Power of Vehicle Restraints
Are you aware that over 6000 forklift incidents happen when a lift truck drives off a loading dock? The NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) reports that 70% of these are preventable with adequate safety measures. So, to answer the question: can loading dock separation accidents be avoided with vehicle restraints? The answer is absolutely!
Working on loading docks poses inherent risks due to the dynamic activities involving workers, truck drivers, dock attendants, and technicians. The accelerated pace of logistics, with a constant influx of trucks, leaves no room for errors. Consequently, stringent safety regulations are in place to safeguard individuals and property. Among these safety measures, the installation of loading dock vehicle restraints stands out as a crucial best practice. These restraints play a vital role in securing trucks and other vehicles in position during the loading and unloading of cargo.
The Four Most Common & Frequent Loading Dock Separation Accidents
Understanding and addressing potential hazards at the loading dock is imperative. Discover the four key insights and strategies that play a crucial role in preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of both personnel and equipment at the heart of your operations.
1. Early Departure: Also termed aggressive retreat, this incident transpires when a truck driver pulls away while a forklift is still entering, exiting, or inside the trailer.
2. Trailer Creep: This occurs when incoming and outgoing forklifts repeatedly impact the trailer, causing it to roll or "drag" away from the dock. Traditional wheel chocks prove ineffective, leading to a phenomenon known as dock walk.
3. Landing Gear Collapse: Referred to as trailer rollover, this incident happens when the landing gear leg of a loaded trailer collapses, leading to a potentially hazardous tilt. Implementing a vehicle restraint with a swivel hook can prevent such occurrences by securing the trailer in place.
4. Trailer Pop-Up and/or Upending: During loading or unloading, the product and forklift movements can shift the trailer.
For businesses engaged in regular truck activities, especially loading and unloading, the installation of vehicle restraints is essential to mitigate the risk of accidents caused by premature departures. Vehicle restraints ensure that the vehicle remains stationary until it is deemed safe to move. Despite the safest environments, instances of careless parking, vehicle creep, or unplanned truck departures can occur. By integrating a reliable vehicle restraint system, the likelihood of expensive equipment damage and physical injuries is significantly reduced, leading to enhanced productivity.
Two Principal Advantages of Integrating Vehicle Restraint Systems:
Discover the main benefits that come with integrating vehicle restraint systems into your loading dock operations.
1. Avoiding Dock Separation Incidents:
Installing Vehicle Restraints enhances communication between truck drivers and dock attendants, effectively preventing accidents. These restraints, also known as truck restraints or dock locks, securely lock parked vehicles in place, reducing the risk of premature drive-offs and creeping. This not only minimizes accidents and potential damage around loading bays but also enhances overall productivity on the loading dock. Unlike wheel chocks, which are not fixed and may not always be in place when needed, they offer a reliable solution.
2. Preventing Cargo Theft:
Vehicle Restraint systems play a crucial role in deterring cargo theft. By securely locking the vehicle in place, these systems make it challenging for thieves to drive away discreetly. This added security is especially valuable when there may not always be someone available to monitor the truck cab, considering the typically busy and coordinated nature of loading docks.
Differentiating Mechanical and Hydraulic Vehicle Restraint Systems:
Numerous models are available in the market, and the key contrasts between mechanical and hydraulic vehicle restraint systems are outlined below:
1. Mechanical Vehicle Restraint (Mechanical Dock-Locks):
• Presents a safer alternative when compared to relying solely on wheel chocks.
• Typically more budget-friendly than hydraulic variants.
• Simple to operate and easy to install.
• Ensures a secure hold even in power outage situations.
2. Hydraulic Vehicle Restraints (Hydraulic Dock-Locks):
• Dock attendants utilize a control panel for arm operation.
• An internal automatic pressure switch maintains the restraint arm in a locked position during operation.
• Generally, higher in cost compared to their mechanical counterparts.
With Overhead Door Company of Central Jersey, boasting over 50 years of collaboration with top manufacturers nationwide, we bring you the best in the industry.
For additional details on vehicle restraints (trailer restraints, truck restraints), dock levelers, or any other loading dock equipment, contact us at 908-798-4749 or via email at comm@overheaddoorco.com.
Remember we at Overhead Door Company of Central Jersey have been selling, installing, and servicing commercial and industrial garage doors, as well as loading dock equipment.
Purchasing your loading dock equipment through us will guarantee that everything from your commercial garage doors, dock levelers, or dock seals or shelters will all be correctly sized and matched to your needs, so your dock will function as a whole unit.
We are your one-stop shop if there is a service needed as well. Regardless of your dock’s brand, our service professionals will maintain or repair it. We stock replacement parts for nearly all major brands, such as Bluegiant, Bluff, Kelley, Inc., Serco, Pioneer, Koke, Inc., McGuire, Nordock, Pentalift, and PowerAmp.
