Here we are again! Your friendly local overhead door company here for your yearly reminder of winter safety tips for your loading dock. It’s no secret that this time of year loading docks can present different hazards when compared to the warmer months. Cold temperatures and the presence of ice and snow can create new challenges for your team. 

You want to do whatever you can to prevent winter accidents such as slip and fall accidents or trucks sliding into your dock. To keep your loading area under control during the cold months, you need to be extra vigilant and overly cautious. 

Stay Ahead of Shoveling

Shoveling is the best defense against ice and snow build-up. Even a small amount of snow on a walking path or dock leveler in Ohio can be a hazard. Often, it will start to melt, only to freeze shortly after, creating sheets of ice. To keep this from happening, shovel immediately and often.

And make sure you’re pushing the snow a good distance away from doors, loading docks, etc.

Use Salt as Needed

While salt is known to damage concrete and build up corrosion, it’s hard to beat its ice melting properties. While shoveling can help a lot, laying some salt down is one of the fastest, most effective ways of taking care of ice.

Keep Doors Closed

When you’re loading in and out of a building, it can be tempting to leave the doors open. You want to be cautious of this in the winter, however. Not only can it jack up your energy bills, but it can lead to icy build up around entryways.

On a cold enough day, it doesn’t take long for the water inside the door to turn to a sheet of ice.

Place Mats in Key Areas

Never underestimate the power of a well-placed floor mat. They’ll keep your floors both cleaner and safer.

Maintain Visibility

On a snowy day, it can be hard to see much of anything. You need to keep your loading area as visible as possible. This includes placing proper safety lights around the loading area and making sure they’re not covered by snow.

When it snows, take time to go around to the different lights and signs to ensure they’re visible.

Safety First- Dock Levelers in Ohio

As an overhead door company we work within countless loading docks and other commercial spaces. We know the winters can feel long and the increased risks and dangers don’t help. For the safest options in overhead doors, dock levelers, and more contact our team at Springfield Overhead Door. 

Stay safe out there!