Loading docks are busy and congested areas, and implementing a good safety plan can ensure that your business minimizes costly and business interrupting mistakes.

Truck Restraints

When trailers enter a slot on your loading dock, making certain that the truck remains stationary is essential to the safety of your labor force. As forklifts maneuver in and out of trailers and pallets are added or removed, substantial weight fluctuations occur. As trailers are jostled they tend to move unless they are firmly anchored in place by some form of restraint system.

When a trailer is inadvertently moved, it is referred to as “trailer creep.” This can be extremely unsafe for a lift truck driver, as the dock board is separated from the trailer. A forklift can easily go over the side of the loading dock, resulting in severe injury or death.

Another problem is unintended drive offs. From time to time, truck drivers may depart from the loading dock before cargo transfer is completed due to oversight or misunderstanding. If a lift truck is active during an unscheduled departure it can be fatal to the driver.

Truck restraints are engineered to stop trailers from driving off from a dock until it is advisable to do so. Restraints can be as rudimentary as wheel chocks, or they can be as elaborate as hydraulic hooks that pair with dock levelers and doors through interlock safety mechanisms.

Trailer Restraints (Dock Locks)

Trailer restraint systems are essentially hooks that latch onto the ICC bar on a trailer to hold it tightly in place. These devices can be simple, mechanically operated systems or more advanced hydraulic and/or electric configurations.

Many times, truck restraints are directly tied to the door and leveler equipment on a loading dock bay, so that they can’t be disengaged if the door is in the open position, the dock leveler is in use or the truck driver has not been advised to depart by the dock operator. Having safeguards like these can be advantageous on any busy loading dock and can greatly improve safety and productivity.

Wheel Chocks

Using wheel chocks is probably the simplest way to keep a vehicle stable. Why not just use chocks instead of fancy restraint systems? Although plain wheel chocks can do the job, there are some additional risks:

• Inattentive workers may occasionally fail to place chocks correctly
• A sloped or uneven approach can cause chocks to slip or not function properly
• Chocks can get lost, and busy employees may forego them instead of falling behind
• Placing wheel chocks may require employees to get down near the pavement where drivers can’t see them, putting the employee in harm’s way if the truck moves

Dock Restraints Near Me

If you would like to learn more about dock locks or additional dock safety equipment, contact a dock and door professional at Raymond West today.

Raymond West's Boise service center serves most of Idaho, including Boise, Nampa, Meridian, Idaho Falls, Caldwell, Pocatello, Twin Falls, Post Falls and surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Boise Material Handling Equipment Supplier

743 W McGregor Ct #100
Boise, ID 83705
(800) 675-2500