Your loading dock is an area where you must exercise caution year-round. Dangers present themselves in the form of large trucks backing in and out, heavy loads being moved, and much more.

A lot could go wrong.

These risks are only elevated in the winter months thanks to cold temperatures and the presence of ice and snow.

On any given day, someone could slip and fall or a truck could start sliding. No dock manager wants to see these accidents happen as the consequences could be serious. Extra precautions may need to be taken in the winter months to keep your loading area under control and keep employees safe.

Shovel Away Ice and Snow

One of your best defenses against ice and snow buildup is to stay ahead of shoveling. Any amount of snow can become a hazard on walking paths or dock levelers in Ohio. Snow can make surfaces slippery or hide ice.

Unshoveled snow will also melt and refreeze as the temperature changes throughout the day, increasing the risk of icy spots.

To prevent this from happening it is important to shovel as soon as it snows and keep it maintained often.

Utilize Salt

Even though salt can be hard on concrete floors and cause corrosion on many different surfaces, it works wonders in melting ice. Laying salt down can be one of the most effective ways of melting ice and reducing the risk of slips.

Keep Doors Closed

The main function of a loading dock is to allow items and loads to go in and out through giant overhead doors. There is no way for a loading dock to function without these doors being opened.

With that said, there are ways you can be intentional about reducing the amount of time a door is left open. Be efficient in your loading and unloading to help save on your energy bill and reduce ice build-up around your doors.

Utilize Floor Mats

Heavily trafficked areas should have floor mats placed in walkways. These can be especially helpful by entrances to catch water and snow from shoes. A well-placed doormat can help keep your floors safer and cleaner.

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.

Whether it’s winter, spring, summer, or fall safety practices should be followed at all loading docks. The wintertime, however, presents unique risks that all dock employees should be aware of to stay safe.