In warehouses, about 25% of injuries come at or near the loading dock area.
This is usually because it’s such a focal point of any distribution operation—it’s where everything is accepted and put-away and where everything eventually process out. This means that at times the dock will buzz with forklifts, workers on foot, and other bursts of activity. It has a natural fall hazard in the edge of the dock. It’s got exposure to elements, meaning that it may have moisture, oils and other trip/slip hazards. When it comes to preventing falls, what are your OSHA’s requirements? And what should you do above and beyond them?