Dangers
There can be very serious accidents on loading bays. One example is trailer creep (also known as trailer walk, or dock walk) which occurs when the lateral and vertical forces exerted each time a forklift truck enters and exits the trailer cause the trailer to slowly move away from the dock resulting in separation from the dock leveler. Factors that affect trailer creep are the weight and speed of the lift truck and load, the gradient of the ground the trailer is parked on, the condition of the suspension and the air pressures, the type of transition (dock levelers, dock boards) being used, and whether the trailer has been disconnected or if it is still connected to the tractor.
Separation of a vehicle from the loading also occurs when a driver prematurely pulls away while the truck is still being loaded/unloaded. This issue is usually caused through a driver not correctly observing traffic lighting signals on a loading bay which prohibit the movement of the trailer. It is also important to ensure that drivers are adequately trained on the safe system of work he/she is expected to follow.
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A loading dock at the New Research Building, Harvard Medical School.
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Typical warehouse exterior showing loading docks
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A reinforced concrete loading dock under construction.
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