One element of your warehouse safety program may include portable dockboards.
These devices are used to help prevent falls over gaps in the surface when forklifts, pallet jacks, carts and other equipment are moving between a trailer and the warehouse dock area.
OSHA’s standard on walking-working surfaces (1910.26) includes requirements for safe use of dockboards:
- Secure a dockboard by anchoring it in place or using equipment or devices that keep it from moving.
- Use wheel chocks or sand shoes to prevent a transport vehicle (a truck, semitrailer, trailer or rail car, for example) from moving while workers are on the dockboard.
- Use portable dockboards that come equipped with handholds.
- Block exposed or open loading dock doors and other areas where a worker could fall.
