Risk Control Services : from Liberty Mutual Insurance

Loading Dock Safety

Checklist
This checklist allows you to determine the general condition and
safety of your loading dock area and can help you develop an action
plan for improvement.
This checklist is designed
to help you identify potential
hazards of a loading dock
operation.

Conduct a thorough review of your specific operation to develop a list of items for
inspection. Space is provided at the end to add location-specific items you feel are
necessary for the safety of your loading dock operation.
Checklist items are based upon multiple sources, including:
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.176 Material Handling
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 Forklift Safety
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.22 Walking-Working Surfaces
ANSI B56.1-1969 American National Standard for Powered Industrial Trucks
ANSI 1264.2-2006 Provision for Slip Resistance on Walking/Working Surfaces

Work Areas
Yes No N/A Item

Good, general housekeeping is maintained.

Floors are swept daily.
Floors are washed regularly.
Floors have good frictional characteristics.
Trash containers are emptied promptly.
Dunnage is managed properly.
Mirrors are provided at blind corners.
Passageways, doorways and stairs are free of
obstructions and tripping hazards.

Comments

RC 5503 R2

2013 Liberty Mutual Insurance All Rights Reserved

January 2013

Correction Date

Material Handling
Yes No N/A Item

General and task-specific ergonomic training is provided.

Correction Date

Lifting is minimized by using good task design and engineering

techniques.
Adequate and safe hand trucks are provided.

Comments

Loading Dock
Yes No N/AItem

Dock approaches are free from potholes or deteriorated pavement.

Correction Date

Dock bumpers are in good condition.

If trailer restraint systems are used, they are maintained to manufacturers
specifications.
If trailer restraint systems lights are provided, they function as designed.
Trailer wheel chocks are used to block trailers and prevent movement
during loading and unloading operations.
Two trailer wheel chocks are provided for each trailer.
Trailer wheel chocks are chained to the building.
Warning signs or warning lights regarding moving vehicles are in use.
Dockworkers are instructed to NEVER be behind a backing trailer.
If dock levelers or dock plates are used, they are in proper working order.
The dock leveler or dock plate capacity is adequate, given typical load
weights, lift truck speeds, ramp inclines and frequency of use.

Comments

Electrical Safety
Yes No N/A Item

Correction Date

Phone lines and electrical conduits are undamaged.

Rubber insulating mats are placed at the base of high voltage boxes.
Electrical rooms are clean and not used for storage.
Panel box doors are closed.
All circuit boxes are covered.
Machinery and other electrical equipment are properly grounded.

Comments

RC 5503 R2

Industrial Trucks
Yes No N/A Item

All operators are trained, evaluated and certified to ensure they can
operate industrial trucks safely.

Correction Date

Before use, each industrial truck is examined for hazardous conditions

that would make it unsafe to operate.
Operators follow safe procedures for picking up, putting down and
stacking loads.
Operators drive safely (never exceed established speed limits and go
slowly in congested areas or those with slippery surfaces).

Comments

Truck/Trailer Safety
Yes No N/A Item

Truck drivers have a place away from the loading dock to wait while their
trailer is being loaded or unloaded.

Correction Date

Truck engines are turned off during loading and unloading operations.
A lock box or key control system is used.
Trailer lighting is adequate for the tasks being performed.
Trailer floors are inspected before entering with lift trucks.
Carbon monoxide levels are periodically checked to evaluate dockworker
exposure.

Comments

Fire Safety
Yes No N/AItem

Fire extinguishers are fully charged and accessible.

Correction Date

Emergency exits are clearly marked, unlocked or have panic hardware.

Flammable and combustible materials are properly stored.
Storage is kept at least 18 inches below sprinkler heads.

Comments

Ladder Safety
Yes No N/A Item

Correction Date

Ladders are inspected on a regular basis.

Ladders in use are in good condition.

RC 5503 R2

Employees are trained in proper use of ladders.

Metal and aluminum ladders are not used for electrical maintenance.

Comments

Location-Specific Items
Yes No N/A Item

Correction Date

Comments

References

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These Liberty Mutual Insurance Risk Control references provide additional information.
Dock Operations: Loading and Unloading Trucks and Rail Cars, RC 153
Electric Lift Truck Inspection Checklist, RC 5501
Employee Injuries in the Trucking Industry, RC 5702
Employee Injuries in the Wholesale-Durable Goods Industry, RC 5705
Hand Truck Safety Inspection Checklist, RC 5391
Internal Combustion Lift Truck Inspection Checklist, RC 5500
Ladder Inspection Checklist, RC 5502
Model Safety Plan: Powered Industrial Trucks, RC 5267
OSHA Customizable Program: Powered Industrial Trucks (PITs), RC 4508
OSHA Customizable Program: Ladders, RC 4526
Preventing Slips and Falls: Floor Cleaning and Maintenance, RC 5410
Preventing Slips and falls: Floor Surfaces and Treatments, RC 5413
Warehouse Distribution Center Self-Inspection Worksheet, RC 906

The illustrations, instructions and principles contained in the material are general in scope and, to the best of our knowledge, current at the time of publication. No attempt
has been made to interpret any referenced codes, standards or regulations. Please refer to the appropriate code-, standard-, or regulation-making authority for interpretation
or clarification. Provided that you always reproduce our copyright notice and any other notice of rights, disclaimers, and limitations, and provided that no copy in whole or in
part is transferred, sold, lent, or leased to any third party, you may make and distribute copies of this publication for your internal use.
2013 Liberty Mutual Insurance. All rights reserved.

RC 5503 R2