Loading bay safety must be robust

Thorworld Industries has highlighted the importance of safety in the loading and unloading area in a presentation given during the Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA) Safety Conference. Mark James, Thorworld's health & safety manager, used his address to outline key hazards, suggest solutions and advise on relevant and applicable standards and directives for loading and unloading equipment.

"The vehicle loading and unloading area is potentially one of the most hazardous areas in any company, warehouse or distribution centre," explains Mark James.

"Without a robust safety strategy, this area is an accident waiting to happen.

"Nonetheless, it requires only the use of some simple, low-cost and highly effective safety aids to ensure that you are loading and unloading with confidence," he adds.

Amongst the areas highlighted was the scope for operators or forklifts to fall where there is a height variation and/or a horizontal gap - and the various bridging devices that can be used to protect against this.