Course:SPPH381B/TermProject/Chef Knife - Shirley Deutsch/Loading and unloading areas

Warehousing Hazard - Loading and unloading areas (causing injury or death)

A warehouse is a building used by manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, transportation companies and other similar businesses to store goods, raw materials and other commodities. An important and dangerous activity in a warehouse is loading and unloading materials and goods from trucks onto racks by hand and by using a forklift. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, In 2004, the warehousing and storage industry suffered 21 fatalities and 14,620 injuries and illnesses. Warehousing is dangerous and safety procedures need to be integrated into the culture.

What are loading and unloading areas?

Loading and unloading zones are a region designated for rapid loading and unloading of materials.

What danger do these areas create? Who is most susceptible?

Other than the usual hazards of falling, slipping, and getting cut, the unloading/loading workers could get harmed by the forklifts and the trucks. For example, an employee can get pinned between forklifts on loading docks, pinned between loading dock and truck or trailer, pinned between truck and trailer, struck by or run over by a truck, struck by falling items that were not secured, and struck by falling dock plate just to name a couple of examples. The loading and unloading employees are in the most danger, yet the truck driver can also be in danger if unfamiliar with the workplace.

How can the risk of injury or death be reduced?

The biggest control in such a situation would be education and enforcement of the rules to keep a safe environment. Training sessions on health, safety, policies, measures and procedures should happen regularly. Ensuring equipment, materials ,and protective devices are maintained and up to date with current OHSA regulations. By communicating properly within the team of the unloading/loading and the truck drivers - the risk of injury will be reduced. Having controls in place to maintain a safer working environment is great - but if they are not enforced by the supervisor of the warehouse - it is not going to be as effective.