Truck restraints lead to safer, more efficient facilities.
The loading dock area plays a key role in high-traffic facilities. Due to its dynamic nature, however, accidents such as trailer creep, early departure, and trailer pop-ups are always possible. That said, loading dock accidents are preventable with the right safety procedures and the right equipment. Learn more about the benefits of truck restraints and the types of models available.
With truck restraints, these common loading dock accidents are preventable.
Trailer Creep
Trailer creep is one of the most common loading dock accidents. It is caused by the repetitive impact that occurs when forklifts enter and exit the trailer, causing the trailer to slowly move away from the dock. Eventually, the lip of the leveler can potentially slip off the truck bed, opening up a dangerous gap between the trailer and the dock.
A manual vertical barrier restraint presents an effective solution. These units mount directly on concrete surfaces and their simple design allows the dock attendant to operate the bar that controls the metal barrier, bringing the barrier into contact with the truck’s ICC Bar to stabilize and stop the truck from moving.
Trailer Pop-Ups, Trailer Up-Endings and Landing Gear Collapse
A trailer pop-up happens when the weight of the forklift sends the rear of the trailer forward and down, causing the nose to rise.
Trailer upending, on the other hand, occurs when too much weight is concentrated at the front of the trailer, causing the rear end to move up and away from the dock.
Both of these accidents can be extremely dangerous for all workers involved, especially for forklift operators.
Electric hook truck restraints guard against pop-ups and up-endings through the use of a rotating hook system. The rotating hook moves up and over the rear-impact guard, fully preventing the trailer from moving horizontally or vertically. This stable locking action can also help prevent landing gear collapse, which occurs when weak or damaged landing gear gives way and the trailer pitches forward or falls to the side.
Early Departure
Early departure occurs when a truck driver unexpectedly drives away from the loading dock area before loading or unloading operations are complete. Early departure can lead to serious worker injuries, especially when heavy equipment is involved.
While wheel chocks are typically seen as a viable solution to early departure, they are incapable of delivering complete protection as they cannot restrain a truck when it’s in motion. Conversely, a high-functioning truck restraint equipped with a two-way light-communication system alerts both employees about the status of the loading and unloading process. This system allows for clear communication between truck drivers and the loading dock personnel when their views would otherwise be obstructed.
Which truck restraint models should I consider?
Apart from preventing workplace accidents around the loading docks, the benefits of truck restraints include cost-effectiveness, durability, and low maintenance. Check out our best-in-class lineup below:
Lenworth Electric Hook Truck Restraint
HFR32 Truck Restraint
LPR35 Truck Restraint
Learn more about the benefits of truck restraints. Contact Lenworth today!
Operational excellence around the loading dock depends on creating a reliably safe environment for all personnel. Truck restraints can prevent loading dock accidents by keeping workers, equipment, and cargo safe during loading and unloading procedures. The long-term logistical benefits of installing a truck restraint far outweigh the initial investment and certainly outweigh the financial, physical, and emotional burden associated with accidents and/or injuries.
Lenworth is committed to improving industrial facilities nationwide. Book a free, no-hassle consultation with one of our representatives and we can help you determine the truck restraint model that will work best for your facility.
In order for us to better accommodate you during this time, call ahead to book a showroom visit with one of our representatives and see our lineup of high-quality products.
