Loading dock blitz results

In February 2011, 1,089 workplaces received 1,285 blitz-related visits by Ministry of Labour inspectors. The inspectors issued 3,233 orders, including 84 stop work orders. Inspectors found that workers are exposed to similar hazards in workplaces across all industrial sectors, regardless of the size of the workplace or nature of business.

The most frequently issued orders involved violations related to maintenance of equipment, examination of lifting devices, provision of information and instruction to workers and securing of vehicles and machinery.

The blitz was prompted by risks faced by workers in loading docks and shipping and receiving areas. If not controlled, hazards in these areas can result in workers being pinned between loading docks and vehicles, or struck by vehicles, mobile equipment or unsecured items that tip or fall. Between January 1, 2000 and October 31, 2010, 15 industrial sector workers died in incidents involving shipping and receiving areas.

The goal of the blitz was to

• raise awareness of loading dock hazards
• encourage employers to identify and control hazards
• address and remedy non-compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations
• deter non-compliant employers
• enhance health and safety partnerships
• promote improved health and safety in loading dock areas.

What inspectors looked for

During the loading dock/shipping and receiving blitz, inspectors checked for

• pedestrian and traffic safety in interior and exterior areas
• maintenance and housekeeping of the general work environment
• immobilization and securing of vehicles against unintentional movement
• guarding and lockout
• material handling equipment safety
• safe manual material handling activities

Order analysis

The 10 most frequently issued orders involved failing to comply with requirements for

1. maintaining equipment and facilities in good condition, such as
   

   •   racking systems •   electrical installations and equipment •   eyewash stations •   loading docks, e.g., bumpers, lights, levellers •   lifting devices

2. taking reasonable precautions to protect worker health and safety, such as
   

   •   securing vehicles against accidental movement •   safe loading and unloading procedures •   wheel chocking •   using the appropriate type of ladder for the activity •   electrical hazards

3. examining lifting devices
4. providing workers with information, instruction and supervision to protect their health and safety, such as
   

   •   securing vehicles against accidental movement •   safe loading and unloading procedures •   wheel chocking •   using the appropriate type of ladder for the activity •   electrical hazards

5. addressing work surface hazards
6. immobilizing and securing vehicles against accidental movement
7. pinch point hazards
8. securing machinery, equipment or material against tipping or falling
9. preparing and reviewing health and safety policy, and developing a program to implement the policy
10. posting a copy of the Occupational Health and Safety Act at the workplace

What the results indicate

Shipping and receiving areas and related equipment may not be regularly inspected and maintained by employers, since the highest percentage of orders issued was for failing to maintain equipment, materials and protective devices in good condition, this suggests.

Key hazards related to material handling activities are often not identified and/or controlled in both indoor and outdoor shipping and receiving areas, since orders for employers to take reasonable precautions in the circumstances were often due to

• failure to ensure safe vehicle immobilization and securing procedures at loading docks, or
• general unsafe loading and unloading activities observed by Ministry of Labour inspectors.

Workers are not receiving sufficient information and instruction. Orders for this involved a wide range of indoor and outdoor material handling activities in shipping and receiving areas.

Next steps

Ministry inspectors will continue to look for high-risk hazards when they inspect indoor and outdoor shipping and receiving areas of workplaces where materials and goods are stored, staged, loaded and unloaded from vehicles.

A racking and storage blitz will take place in November 2011. Inspectors will apply knowledge gained during the loading dock blitz when they address racking and storage system safety. (Watch for more on racking and storage system safety in an upcoming issue of HSO Network News.)

How we can help

Appearing below is a sampling of resources available from Workplace Safety & Prevention Services, as well as other Health & Safety Ontario organizations and the Ministry of Labour.

• free downloads, including
  • Are your lifting devices in good condition?
  • ErgoCheck: Loading and Unloading Trucks
  • How to conduct workplace inspections
  • Pedestrians & Mobile Equipment don't Mix
  • Workplace Hazard Assessment Form

• classroom and on-site training:
  • CLC Part II: Workplace Health and Safety Inspections and Hazardous Occurrence Investigation – 1 day
  • Effective Supervision (Part One) – 3 day
  • Effective Supervision (Part Two) – 2 day
  • Inspecting Your Workplace – ½ day
  • Inspecting and Maintain Steel Storage Racks – 1 day
  • Lift Truck Operator Safety Training – 1 day
  • Lift Truck Operators' Evaluation – on-site
  • Supervisors' Responsibilities and Due Diligence – ½ day
  • Self-Study:
    • First 4 Weeks Health and Safety Orientation and Training
    • SAFE-Lift
  • e-Learning:
    • Health and Safety for Managers and Supervisors – online
    • Workplace Inspections – 1 hour e-course

• consulting services on how to implement, manage and continually improve your health and safety program

• Ministry of Labour video and poster on loading dock hazards raises awareness about the many hazards workers are exposed to in the shipping and receiving areas of workplaces.