Loading Dock Safety

Typically, loading docks are busy areas where equipment, such as forklifts, is used to move materials and freight onto or off of trailers. Special attention is needed in these areas to ensure the safety of the workers involved in loading and unloading trailers. In addition to forklift tip overs, it's also important to make sure forklifts don't slip or skid off elevated docks, fall between the dock and the trailer, or hit the trailer. Avoiding these types of hazards will help keep everyone involved with loading and unloading trailers safe. This course covers OSHA's requirements for both forklift operators and working surfaces in loading areas. It includes basic and best practices for avoiding hazards while on the dock and during the loading and unloading of the trailer – in particular, inspection methods to follow before entering suspension-type highways trailers. Combined, this information will help you keep the loading dock and loading dock activities safe for all those involved with loading and unloading trailers. The course was developed and reviewed with subject matter support provided by certified subject matter experts and industry professionals. Please note, the course materials and content were current with the laws and regulations at the time of the last expert review, however, they may not reflect the most current legal developments. Nothing herein, or in the course materials, shall be construed as professional advice as to any particular situation with respect to compliance with legal statutes or requirements. This course was reviewed and updated for the November 2016 OSHA final rule updating walking-working surfaces standards.