Loading Dock Safety
Construction and general industry · Ver en español
Talking points
- Dock locks or wheel chocks must be in place before any worker enters the trailer or steps between the dock and the trailer. A trailer that creeps away from the dock creates a fall and crush hazard.
- Dock plates and boards must be secured against displacement and rated for the loads being crossed — including forklift weight. Unsecured dock plates flip under load.
- The gap between the dock edge and the trailer is a fall hazard. Use dock bumpers and levelers to minimize the gap, and be aware of the step height difference.
- Trailer condition matters — rotted or weakened trailer floors can collapse under forklift weight. Inspect the trailer floor before driving equipment inside.
- Lighting at dock doors is often inadequate. Ensure the trailer interior is illuminated before entering, and provide dock lighting that covers the area between the dock and the trailer.
Ask the crew
Are wheel chocks or dock locks in place at every active dock door right now — and who is responsible for verifying before loading begins?
Standards this talk is built on
A toolbox talk is a short safety briefing. It supports the training a standard requires; it does not replace it.
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Sign-in sheet
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| Name | Signature | Date |
|---|---|---|
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