Whether supplies and materials are coming in or finished goods are leaving your manufacturing facility, warehouse, or distribution center, loading docks are central to the process. While many loads are transported in enclosed trailers, this isn’t always the case. Flatbed trailers are commonly used to transport large, oddly shaped, and other cargo that won’t fit into an enclosed trailer. Working around flatbeds exposes workers to several fall hazards, so loading dock safety must be top of mind.
Common Loading Dock Fall Hazards
Loading docks can be extremely busy places with people, forklifts, trucks, and trailers constantly on the move. The busier a loading dock is, the more important it is for you and your employees to understand the hazards that are present, such as:
- Exposed edges of the loading dock
- Stairs, ramps, and other loading dock access points
- Slip and fall hazards such as snow, ice, water, oil, grease, or debris
- Loading dock equipment such as forklifts rolling off the edge of the dock or platform
- Trailers being moved while workers are still inside or attempting to enter/exit the trailer
OSHA Loading Dock Safety Requirements
Loading docks fall under general industry rules for fall protection as defined in OSHA 1910.28. Specifically, you are required to provide fall protection whenever employees are working on a dock that has a height of 48 inches or more from a lower level. OSHA-compliant fall protection equipment such as a guardrail system and safety gate may be used to protect people and equipment from falling off an exposed edge.
- Loading dock gates – Ventilation can be an issue in a non-climate-controlled warehouse, especially during the warm months, and an open door is essential. However, an open warehouse door exposes workers to the loading dock and a potential fall hazard. A dock gate can provide fall protection that meets OSHA standards without having to close the loading dock door.
- Guardrail systems – In some instances, it may be advisable to install a guardrail system that meets OSHA 1910.29 guidelines at a loading dock. Remember that OSHA does not specify what kind of fall protection equipment you must use, just that you use fall protection.
- Visual and Audio Alarms – In addition to providing fall protection equipment, it is advisable to install additional precautions like lights and alarms to warn workers of an unprotected dock edge, incoming vehicles, or other activity that could put them at risk.
It should be noted that even if a loading dock is less than 48″ from the lower level, it still may present a fall hazard. If you choose not to use dock gates or guardrails, it is recommended that you place visual warnings such as a contrasting yellow line near dock edges to warn workers to practice safety protocols.
Common Fall Hazards Associated with Flatbed Trailers
As with the loading dock, the deck of a flatbed trailer is generally at or above the 48″ point that requires fall protection per OSHA. When dock workers are loading and unloading flatbeds some of the hazards they are exposed to include:
- Exposed sides of the trailer
- Additional height differences at the top of cargo
- Slippery conditions due to rain, snow, or ice
- Gaps between the trailer and loading dock
Fall Protection for Flatbed Trailers
When a load of supplies or materials arrives at your loading dock on a flatbed trailer, special actions need to be taken to protect workers. Consider the fact that a typical flatbed trailer is between 48′ and 53′ long and 8.5′ wide and 48″ or more tall. In order to load and unload the flatbed, workers will have to walk on the trailer or maneuver a forklift on it. Fall protection for flatbed trailers includes:
- Flatbed trailer guardrails – Two exposed sides up to 53′ long is a lot of space to protect. The easiest way to do so is by installing temporary safety railings around the perimeter of the flatbed trailer. It’s a fast solution that requires no tools, won’t harm the trailer while still meeting OSHA standards.
- Flatbed trailer front and rear protection – In addition to the obvious hazard presented by the long sides of the flatbed, you need to worry about the front and rear. Despite only being 8′ wide, they present a fall hazard to dock workers and must be protected in the same manner as the sides with a safety rail, when possible.
- Dock plates, dockboards and dock levelers – This type of equipment is designed to fill in the gap between the trailer and the loading dock to provide a smooth surface for forklifts and workers. Dock plates are weight rated and it’s vital to choose one that meets the needs of dock workers.
The Importance of OSHA-Compliant Loading Dock Safety and Flatbed Fall Protection
Keeping your loading docks operating smoothly is imperative to your company’s success. Worker safety must always be your number one priority, however, and you must do everything you can to ensure that you are following OSHA guidelines for fall protection. If you do not install OSHA-compliant safety equipment, like dock gates and guardrails, you may be fined and penalized. Worse yet, someone could get hurt and you’ll be held responsible. It’s simply easier and less expensive to get and remain OSHA-compliant than it is to pay the fines and penalties for non-compliance.
Flatbed Fall Protection and Safety Equipment for Your Industrial Facility
Your loading dock workers are particularly vulnerable to falls as they are exposed to hazards on an ongoing basis. Keep them safe with loading dock fall protection equipment like a guardrail and dock gate.
Contact Fabenco today to discuss your fall protection needs or to get answers to your questions about fall protection for flatbed trailers. Our team of qualified safety experts will be happy to assist you with choosing the most appropriate fall protection equipment for your application. We have a deep understanding of OSHA regulations and requirements, and we can help you ensure that your company is compliant with all applicable fall protection standards and regulations.
