People who work on loading docks under certain conditions may be at risk of slipping and falling and incurring serious injuries while performing routine tasks. However, there are certain things Texas workers can do to avoid slips, such as ensuring that each loading dock opening is properly sealed to prevent the infiltration of weather elements.
Identifying the areas on a closed loading dock door where light is able to seep in can help locate gaps from where snow, dust and other contaminants can enter. The type of products that are used to seal the gaps will depend on what type of gap exists. A complete seal also requires that the top of the trailer is impenetrable. If there is an existing dock seal, an additional overhead sealing product that is heavy enough to form a solid and consistent connection with the trailer while it is being jostled during loading may work.
Sealing the sides of the trailer is also necessary. This can be accomplished with foam compression-style dock seals or perimeter sealing dock shelters, both of which may present some advantages. For swinging trailer doors, using a shelter that has side curtains with a fabric-cover hook on the leading edge can seal gaps.
When sealing a loading dock door, it is also important to keep in mind the bottom of the trailer, where gaps can exist below and around the bumpers and dock levelers. An under-leveler pit seal can provide an effective barrier against contaminants.
Workplace safety should be a priority for employers and employees. Workers who sustain injuries due to an accident caused by unsafe working conditions may have legal recourse. A personal injury attorney may assist an injured worker with obtaining workers’ compensation or may file a lawsuit against the parties responsible for the unsafe conditions.