4 Ways to Keep Loading Docks Dry and Safe

Slips and falls are the leading cause of workplace injuries, costing employers billions of dollars each year. The loading dock area is one area of the industrial workplace prone to slips and falls. Many moving parts and heavy equipment are used around the loading dock, and one small error can result in death. A large contributor to slips and falls is the slipperiness of the loading dock area, which is caused by either precipitation or condensation. Read our dock safety checklist and check out the following 4 ways to reduce the slipperiness around the loading dock below.

2. Dock door seals or shelters

Dock door seals are positioned around the perimeter of loading dock doors, serving as critical barriers against outdoor elements while guiding trucks into the proper docking position. When a trailer backs against the seal, the foam padding compresses to create an air-tight closure that prevents water, wind, and debris from entering the facility. A simple method to verify seal effectiveness involves checking for light penetration when a trailer is pressed against the seal. If light is visible, the seal has failed, and water infiltration is likely.

Dock shelters provide enhanced protection compared to basic seals through their more enclosed design, featuring fabric curtains reinforced with fiberglass stays. These curtains apply pressure to the trailer sides, creating a weatherproof barrier that accommodates various trailer heights and sizes. Shelters are particularly advantageous for facilities with large dock door openings that service diverse trailer configurations.

Integrating Dock Levelers and Risers for Complete Safety

While dock seals and shelters form the primary defense against weather infiltration, dock levelers serve as essential bridges between the building floor and trailer bed, enabling safe forklift and equipment transitions. These hydraulic, mechanical, or air-powered platforms automatically adjust to different trailer heights, maintaining a smooth surface that prevents jarring impacts and potential spills during loading operations.

Working in conjunction with levelers, loading dock risers provide critical height adjustability for facilities servicing various trailer configurations. The DockStep system features both closed-back and open-back riser options with 9 inches of vertical adjustability, accommodating uneven surfaces while maintaining OSHA and IBC compliance standards. This adjustability proves especially valuable when trailers settle during loading or when dealing with worn suspension systems that affect bed height.

Together, these components create a comprehensive dock safety system that keeps water and debris out and ensures smooth, efficient material handling operations. This integrated approach minimizes slip hazards from wet surfaces by preventing gaps between the dock and trailer while providing stable platforms for workers and equipment movement throughout the loading process.

Where to find dock seals and shelters: McCormick Equipment Company Inc., RiteHite, Pentalift