What You Need to Know about Loading Dock Safety Gates.
Protection against fall risk is one thing that is being recommended in the workplace. This ensures that employees working from a height are protected from fall risk. It is necessary to put in place fall safety measures on the mezzanine and loading docks in industrial settings. Because of the serious risk present in such areas, fall safety measures would protect workers from fatalities and injuries.
Loading docks can be risky and most reported warehouse injuries happen at the loading docks. For instance, a truck may fall from the dock like a forklift backing off the platform and falling on the operator. There is a high chance that fatalities and injuries would occur when such an incident occurs. It is, however, possible to prevent such injuries and fatalities by installing loading dock safety gates.
Basically, loading docks require effective safety measures. Some employer demand that loading docks are closed when there is no truck at the loading dock. In case the factory lack proper climate-control, leaving the dock doors open will provide proper ventilation. If the dock is a busy one, having open doors will make it easier to notice arriving trucks. It will also be easier since you will not repeatedly close and open the door. It is, however, important to put in place safety measures. Fall safety measures are also recommended by OSHA for drop beyond 4 feet.
When there are dock safety gates in place, they enhance the safety of the dock for the loading and unloading trucks. The safety gates safeguard the dock by keeping it closed after the truck leaves. You can also have automatic gates that close as the truck departs. This would make it easier for the employees since employees may forget to close the gate once the truck leaves.
Other than the truck falling from the elevated drop, even workers can sustain injuries if they accidentally walk through the same door. It is, therefore, important that loading dock fall protection is in place to prevent injuries and fatalities. It might not be easier ensuring accidents are minimal at the dock. Some efforts would, however, pay off. Installing dock safety gates would be making a big investment. This is because dock safety gates offer some benefits.
There is been minimal fall risk when dock safety gates are installed. This will ensure that employees are protected from fall risk. Fatalities and injuries are usually minimized because access to the dock is limited. Another benefits is that you will be demonstrating your compliance with OSHA industry regulations and guidelines. The safety gates will also provide peace of mind to the employees working at the loading docks. As a result, employees will even be more productive due to enhanced safety.