"Ergonomics" is how workers interface with their workplace – and how the workplace is adapted to workers for better worker productivity and safety.  Bad ergonomics reduces worker efficiency and increases the chance they will suffer acute or chronic on-the-job injuries.  Bad things.

 The loading dock has specific areas where, if the ergonomics for the dockworkers are not addressed – there are increased opportunities for injury and reduced productivity.  Areas of concern  the dock include:

• Raising overhead doors – if there are no electric operators, workers must constantly lean over to raise doors and stretch up to pull doors down.  Often these doors are not adjusted properly – creating the potential for back injuries.
• Pulling the chain  - to operate mechanical dock levelers:  If levelers are not properly adjusted, this can result in back injuries.

Dock plates - are heavy devices are often stood on edge to save space at loading docks.  They can fall and seriously injure operators.  More commonly, operators injure themselves bending over and pulling dock plates out of the way. 

• Slips and falls - at the loading dock due to rain and snow intrusion – result from no dock shelters or seals – or in poor repair.
• Wind and weather blowing through the loading dock creates cold, dusty and  windy conditions – due to dock leveler seals not being in place or properly repaired; or no dock shelters or seals.
• Dock levelers not operating properly – requiring dock attendants to put themselves in harm's way to make them work.  One of the most common situations is to have operators go out in front of the loading dock and hold up a poorly operating dock leveler lip while a trailer backs in.  Ouch!

 Let our Loading Dock and Door Specialists evaluate the ergonomic issues at your loading dock and recommend possibilities for improvement.