Loading Dock Safety

1. Loading Dock Safety Monthly Safety Topic Ryder Safety and Loss Prevention

2. Loading Dock Awareness A Loading Dock can be very dangerous environment! In 2004: 21 workers died on docks. This includes 5 forklift operators that were killed. More than 14,600 workers were injured on docks. The National Safety Council estimates that 10-25% of all workplace injuries happen at loading docks. Serious injuries can happen quickly, to even the most experienced employees. OSHA’s Loading Dock Safety Plan 29CFR1910.176 and 1910.178.

3. 2/28/2012 Proprietary and Confidential 3 Examples of Injury Severity A Georgia company hadn’t put up signs for exits and passageways, and didn’t have procedures to make sure drivers had a clear view before backing up in their loading dock area. An employee was walking through the area. She was struck by a tractor trailer backing into the loading dock and sustained fatal injuries. Along with the tragedy of losing an employee and friend, the company paid more than $170,000 in OSHA fines – and that was on top of death benefits and legal costs. At another company, a dock employee was crushed between two vehicles when he tried getting a stuck semi-trailer moving on a slippery, ice-covered incline. OSHA placed the blame for this tragedy on housekeeping issues at the facility. The employee died at the scene.

4. 2/28/2012 Proprietary and Confidential 4 Loading Dock Injury Prevention Inspect To Prevent Security Theft Maintenance Equipment Failure Accessories Inadequate safety controls Housekeeping Unnecessary exposures

5. 2/28/2012 Proprietary and Confidential 5 Loading Dock Focus Points & The Law Trailer restraint OSHA requires that trailers be restrained whenever they are being loaded or unloaded at your dock. This can be as simple as using wheel chocks, or as complex and powerful as electrically operated trailer restraints with communications equipment. Fall protection Fall protection may be required for the area around an empty dock door. When loading docks are 48 inches high or higher and there’s no trailer or closed door, they’re considered a platform. OSHA requires fall protection for platforms. Chains stretched across an open door and dock won’t cut it. They don’t stop anything, not even people.

6. 2/28/2012 Proprietary and Confidential 6 Loading Dock Focus Points & The Law (continued…) Forklift operator training Since 1999, OSHA’s required very specific forklift operator training and it’s one of the agency’s most frequent violation and fine. If the operator is not properly trained, forklift operation can be one of the most dangerous situations in a facility. The regulations: Operators must have classroom training covering at least 22 different areas, site specific hazard training and driver observations. Exhaust emissions Operators aren’t covered by emissions rules when they’re operating a vehicle, but they are when they’re performing terminal operations. For everyone’s safety, don’t let trucks idle while being unloaded. As an employee, ensure that all of these mentioned issues are inspected and controlled to prevent incidents and improve the overall safety and well being of yourself and co-workers.

7. 2/28/2012 Proprietary and Confidential 7 Accident Sources and Controls Trailer creeping Also known as “dock walk,” the trailer moves away from the dock, which takes us back to that legal obligation about restraining trailers. Types of Controls:

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9. 2/28/2012 Proprietary and Confidential 9 Accident Sources and Controls Moving loads Bending and twisting to push, pull or lift loads causes many loading dock related injuries. Proper lifting and moving techniques are important. Remember to lift with your legs and not your back. Using the right equipment and working cooperatively with others can also minimize injuries. Types of Controls: Form a bridge Allow height transition Mechanical style – Mechanical levelers require operators to pull a chain and then step down on the leveler to engage it. Hydraulic style – push button Hydraulic Style - are automatic and are operated by push buttons on a nearby wall – usually next to the dock door.

10. 2/28/2012 Proprietary and Confidential 10 Accident Sources and Controls Unscheduled departure When drivers pull away from the dock without warning, it’s usually the result of poor communication. Proper communication between driver and dock employee are a key factor in ensuring safety and preventing incidents. Ensure deliveries times are scheduled, known, and followed by all parties involved.

11. 2/28/2012 Proprietary and Confidential 11 Accident Sources and Controls Landing gear collapse The trailers’ landing gear may not be enough support to prevent downturn or a tip over at the dock. This can be a major source of exposure for employees and passersby. Controls should always be used to prevent trailer collapse. Support jacks and controls: Know the weight of the truck being unloaded and its capacity. Find out about the condition of its landing gear. On trailers less than 30 feet long, put one T-frame style jack (with a 36-inch wide center bar) under the front center of the trailer. Use two post-type jacks under the front end corners of the trailer. Remember that down turning is more likely in smaller, single axle trailers. Always visually inspect trailer landing gear. Misaligned or bent legs could be signs of damage or road fatigue.

12. 2/28/2012 Proprietary and Confidential 12 Accident Sources and Controls (continued…) Poor housekeeping Good housekeeping plays a big part in cutting down on loading dock accidents. This is a very manageable exposure and should be continually recognized by all employees. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, slips, trips, and falls are the source of 15-20% of all workers’ compensation costs in the workplace. The rule: Keep it neat and put everything’s in its place.  Some specifics: Do not store items on the floor in aisles, walkways or anywhere where it is not secure on the resting surface. Clean up all spills - IMMEDIATELY Don’t block sprinklers, fire exits or extinguishers Put items in their assigned places immediately Don’t leave cutters or sharp tools sticking out Keep cords and wires off the floor – When not in use Report loose flooring and other tripping hazards Dispose of all trash immediately in proper containers

13. 2/28/2012 Proprietary and Confidential 13 Forklift Safety Forklift Safety Reminders Forklifts shall never be operated by employees who are not properly trained, certified, and authorized Never park on an incline or declined slope. Always park forklift with load and forks disengaged and lowered to ground It is illegal to make any aftermarket alterations or modifications to forklift forks Never use more than one forklift in unison to complete the same task Always be aware of environmental hazards- wet floors, passersby, changing situations, etc.. Use all senses to recognize hazards – visually inspect, listen, communicate with others Forklift inspections shall be completed and documented before an after each use Do not smoke while operating forklift Never allow anyone to walk under raised load

14. 2/28/2012 Proprietary and Confidential 14 General Safe Working Procedures Standard procedures: Maintain equipment – continual inspection No jerry rigging- shortcuts lead to incidents Use physical barriers- prevent fall possibilities Mark staging areas- outline areas for easy recognition Clean and debris-free- a clean workplace is a safe workplace

15. 2/28/2012 Proprietary and Confidential 15 In Summary….. Traffic, visitors and materials in loading dock areas can create hazards Dock injuries tend to be serious Support, restrain and level trailers Follow proper forklift practices Good housekeeping habits Establish Safety as a priority Through the input and safe decisions of you and all of your co-workers, the workplace will experience safety improvements. Remember everyone plays a role, and safety is a team effort.

16. 2/28/2012 Proprietary and Confidential 16 Loading Dock SafetyQuiz (1) Name three items that should be checked out in a loading dock safety audit. a._____________________________ b. _____________________________ c. _____________________________ (2) OSHA rarely cites businesses for failing to train forklift operators. True or False (3) Which of the following do not commonly cause loading dock accidents: Trailer creep Weather Smoking (4) Name three types of trailer restraints: a. __________________________ b. __________________________ c. __________________________

17. 2/28/2012 Proprietary and Confidential 17 Loading Dock SafetyQuiz (5) One of the biggest problems with wheel chocks is forgetting to use them. True or False (6)To engage mechanical levelers, it’s necessary to: a. Press the “Engage” switch b. Step down on the leveler c. Pull a chain to fit the leveler between the trailer and dock (7) Hydraulic levelers have the advantage of: a. Impressing visitors to the dock b. Being more accurate than manual levelers c. Making it easy to connect to a signaling device so operators know restraints are in place. 

18. 2/28/2012 Proprietary and Confidential 18 Loading Dock SafetyQuiz (8)Landing gear is sufficient support for dropped trailers. True or false (9)Forklifts should be stored with forks raised and at an angle. True or false (10)A chain, secured at both ends, can serve as a physical barrier at open edges of a dock or ramp. True or false

19. 2/28/2012 Proprietary and Confidential 19 Loading Dock SafetyAnswers to Quiz (1) Security, maintenance, correct equipment (dock bumpers, trailer stands, jacks, lighting), housekeeping (2) False. Failing to train forklift operators is a frequent OSHA citation. (3) C (4) Bar type, wheel engagement and electrically operated restraints (5) True (6) B and C (7) C (8) False. When trucks and trailers are uncoupled, it’s a good idea to use support jacks as well. (9) False. Store forklifts with forks lowered and tilted flat. (10) False. Physical barriers must be used at open edges of docks and ramps.

20. 2/28/2012 Proprietary and Confidential 20 Ryder’s Safety Policy

21. FALLS FROM CABS

22. 2/28/2012 Proprietary and Confidential 22 WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? Bureau of Motor Carrier Safety study showed that falls from cabs resulted in:-14% of all personal injuries to drivers-10% of all Workers’ Compensation losses-11% of all Medical costs(Study included 46 large trucking firms)

23. 2/28/2012 Proprietary and Confidential 23 IMAGINE A MINOR INJURY! Bruised tailbone Sprained ankle, knee or hip Sprained wrist Sprained back(You might be able to still drive if you are macho, but the doctor may not release you)

24. 2/28/2012 Proprietary and Confidential 24 IMAGINE A MAJOR INJURY! Broken bones Severe back/neck and spinal injuries DEATH???

25. 2/28/2012 Proprietary and Confidential 25 CUMULATIVE TRAUMA Squat jump from cab (7.2) Jump from step one (5.1) Jump from step two (1.9) Jump from step three (1.7) Trailer squat jump (6.44)ALWAYS USE THE THREE-POINT METHOD!!!!!!

26. 2/28/2012 Proprietary and Confidential 26 THE THREE-POINT METHOD Three limbs are in contact with the vehicle at all times for the cab and the rear:-2 hands and 1 foot-1 hand and 2 feet Exit slowly!!!! Wear proper footwear (what is the worst?) Look at the vehicle before getting in & out Look at the ground before exiting Exit in the right direction Keep your hands free! Hurrying does not save any time and frequently leads to slips, trips, falls resulting in injuries, pain, anguish and suffering.