4 Ways to Increase Safety Around Loading Docks
Given the dynamic, fast-paced, and unpredictable nature of loading dock areas, ensuring a safe environment for all employees should be a top priority for facility managers. The best part about this move towards a safer workspace, is that it leads to other advantages. Investing in a safer space means implementing modern, properly functioning equipment that boosts productivity and efficiency. If workers don’t have to worry about unknowns and sudden malfunctions, work can proceed unimpeded. With that in mind, read below to learn four ways to increase safety around loading docks and how Lenworth can aid in facility transformations.
1. Truck Restraints Can Increase Safety Around Loading Docks
A truck restraint is an essential component of loading dock safety that works by holding a truck in place during the loading and unloading process. Truck restraints are such an integral component of facility and employee safety that there are stringent regulations in place to fine facilities that have not implemented them. By creating a more secure connection between a truck and a facility’s dock leveler, truck restraints are an excellent way to increase safety in loading dock areas.
These restraints work by grabbing an approaching truck’s rear-impact guard (RIG) or ICC bar. As a method for improving safety and efficiency, the majority of truck restraints are also equipped with a light communication system that allows the truck driver to be in constant contact with the dock attendant. Lenworth carries models like the Electric Hook Truck Restraint, which use an automatic rotating hook to secure the rear-impact guard, generating a restraining force of 32,000 lbs. This force completely stabilizes and immobilizes the truck and drastically reduces the likelihood of accidents like trailer creep, early departure, theft, pop-ups and up-endings.
2. Dock Seals Provide Additional Safety Around Loading Docks
Loading dock areas are heavily exposed to the elements without proper protection. Heavy snow, freezing rain and cold, strong winds will become very common over the next few months. The last thing that any facility manager or employee wants is for these elements to enter the facility through exposed gaps around loading dock doors. Not only does the cold air make for uncomfortable and adverse working conditions, any snow or ice that makes its way inside can result in dangerous, slippery areas. In a dynamic environment where workers are required to pay attention to a number of things at once, a wet, slippery floor can easily result in slips, falls and injuries.
Investing in an Adjustable Curtain Dock Seal can help better protect the loading dock area by blocking wind snow and ice from infiltrating the facility through exposed gaps. Employees can adjust these dock seals to accommodate different trailer sizes. They also help improve energy efficiency by containing the warm air generated internally and keeping cold air outside. If your facility is effective at blocking out external conditions, it will make for more efficient energy use over time.
3. High-Speed Overhead Doors are Excellent Loading Dock Additions
As we head into winter, one of the most pressing safety concerns for facility managers should be to shield their employees from the elements. By doing so in an effective manner, they make loading dock areas in high-volume facilities safer and more comfortable. One of the simplest ways to keep outside out is by reducing the amount of time that overhead doors remain open. Lenworth’s comprehensive lineup of High-Speed Overhead Doors can achieve just that.
High-speed doors can reduce a door’s cycle time from 56 seconds to 5.6 seconds. This difference of a few seconds may seem small, but when you consider the amount of open/close cycles facility doors complete on a given day, the difference is significant. Low-speed doors lose the most energy when they are closing. High-speed doors can close up to 2-3 times faster than low-speed alternatives. This decreased cycle time will go a long way towards protecting your facility from the winter weather and any potential accidents that can occur as a result of it.
4. Loading Dock Levellers Provide Support and Stability
No matter the weight, volume or quantity associated loading and unloading procedures, employees should always feel confident in a seamless, supported connection between the loading dock and the truck. Dock levelers act as a bridge between the truck and the bay, all the while ensuring that the loading and unloading process is smooth and safe.
Lenworth’s line of hydraulic and mechanical Dock Levellers provide level, balanced support and stability that employees and facility managers can count on year after year. Whereas the hydraulic system operates by means of a single push-button control, the mechanical leveller lowers by means of a simple release chain. Despite differences in their operation and construction, both of these levellers are packed with safety and operational benefits that all loading dock areas can benefit from. Both are capable of holding up to 80,000 lbs, operate seamlessly and contain welded U-beam channels at crucial impact points. Additionally, both dock levellers come standard with a 12-year structural warranty.
Increase Safety Around Loading Docks With Lenworth
Every facility faces unique challenges when it comes to bolstering and improving safety. By working with Lenworth to purchase and install the above-mentioned products, facility managers can address these challenges effectively.
We understand the importance of servicing each facility according to its unique demands. As a result, our highly-trained specialists will work with facility managers at every stage of the process, from planning and consideration to purchasing and installation. We work tirelessly to ensure that our customers get the most out of their transition to these new products.
Book a free, no-hassle consultation with a Lenworth representative today and see how committed we are to doing things right, every time.
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