PSHSA Loading Dock Fast Facts

Fact sheet for supervisors and managers to help identify hazards and ways to correct them.

This PSHSA Fast Fact is intended to help workers, supervisors and managers, and JHSC members recognize hazards associated with loading docks in their workplaces and take steps to make the loading dock a safer place to work.

What is a Loading Dock?

According to the National Institute of Building Sciences, Whole Building Design Guide: Loading Dock, a loading dock is a recessed bay in a building or facility where trucks are loaded and unloaded. They are commonly found in commercial and industrial buildings, offices,hospitals and warehouses in particular. Loading docks may be exterior, flush with the building envelope, or fully enclosed. They are part of a facility’s service or utility infrastructure, typically providing direct access to distributions areas, storage rooms, and freight elevators.

Loading Dock Hazards
The high level of activity at a loading dock area along with the presence of physical hazards can lead to serious worker injury, and…