HealthandSafetyOntario.ca
Introduction
Hazards for loading docks include making heavy or
repeated lifts, working with dock, levelers and dock
plates, as well as working near trailers that may tip
over or separate from the dock.
Other possible hazards include: strapping, poor
maintenance of rubber wheels, improper shrink
wrapping and assembly of loads, congested docks,
poor weather conditions, chemical exposure or
leaking chemicals
Hazard: Shrink Wrapping and
Improper Assembly of Loads
Details
Wrapping loads by hand requires you to use
poor body mechanics and circle the load many
times. This can also cause dizziness and cause
you to stray into oncoming equipment and
traffic
Poorly constructed loads on pallets can collapse,
creating lifting hazards or falling on delivery
staff or pedestrians
Threat
Low back injury
Wrist and muscle strain
Possible injury to your shoulders and upper back
Crush injury, bruising or broken bones
Safe Work Guidelines
Whenever possible, use automated wrapping
equipment
If you must wrap by hand:
– use ergonomically correct tools, and
– rotate to other jobs so that you do not have
to wrap too many loads on a shift
Order shrink-wrap on spools that have a wide
diameter and are light
Wrap skids in one specific area and make sure
that all equipment operators are aware of
this area
To reduce should and upper back injury when
you are wrapping make sure that skids are not
built above shoulder height
Alternate your wrapping direction and
techniques
Fill the hollow inside of loads with air pillows or
used shrink-wrap
If you are a driver use ergonomic lifting, pulling
and reaching devices such as "lambs' hooks"
Make sure that you are trained in product
integrity and how to build stable loads
If possible, go out with the driver on a regular
delivery, so that you will understand how
the way you assemble orders can affect the
drivers job
LoAdIng dockS
And WAreHouSeS
