Millions of people depend on the trucking industry to transport goods, hence the importance of regular maintenance on loading and unloading areas to ensure the welfare of this much-needed and much-appreciated service. Your organization’s loading dock should be functional, clean, and safe; consider these tips to effectively protect your space (and your business).

Dock Area Additions

It is vital to make sure your loading area is protected from any cargo or vehicles that could damage the structural integrity of the docking space. Custom designed and fitted dock bumpers New Castle PA can help secure the area, and also give the landing area a clean appearance. Additionally, the rubber bumpers can protect the transportation itself, lessening the impact of any collision and mitigating dents that could damage the exterior or lift mechanisms.

Cleaning Considerations

The loading and unloading areas need to be void of any obstacles, so materials can be moved easily and safely. Be on the lookout for loading dock hazards including oily floors and spills; power washing can help remediate floors, and you should follow material safety rules for chemical spill cleanup. Beyond the interior, make sure your surrounding lot and parking bays do not have cracked concrete, nails, glass, or other trash that could damage truck tires.

Safety Standards

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers recommendations for safety, including painting high ledges for better visibility and setting distance guidelines. Do your policies align with OSHA standards, and has your safety gear been updated lately? Your organization should regularly review your internal procedures and encourage appropriate use of safety vests, helmets, gloves, and footwear. Also, you can assess how comprehensive and successful your forklift training is, then update accordingly.

Be mindful, be prepared. Taking a few steps to help protect your dockage area while examining your trailer loading and unloading safety processes will help move your organization miles forward.