Investing in loading dock safety is not only a moral and legal responsibility for the sake of safeguarding personnel, but it is also a strategic business decision that can lead to enhanced productivity, cost savings, and a stronger market position. For these reasons, loading dock safety systems are commonly requested in new warehouse builds, but with many loading dock safety solutions on the market, this decision can be a difficult one.
So, where to begin?
It’s important to find the right loading dock for your warehouse needs and consider all relevant factors. It should first and foremost be about protecting personnel on the ground. Loading docks account for 25% of all industrial accidents (OSHA), so it’s key to find a safety solution that mitigates risk to keep people safe from forklift accidents when loading or unloading trailers.
More than that, you may need a solution that also secures the loading dock to reduce risk of cargo theft, spoiled goods, and possible contamination. While dock seals and shelters can provide some level of security, you will need a more robust solution if you want a completely safe working environment for both staff and the product.
It’s about considering factors such as installation, maintenance, ease of use, versatility and compatibility, lead time, and customer service.
1. Installation
It’s important when considering which solution to choose that you look for something which offers a quick and simple installation process to minimise the risk of downtime. Time is money, after all.
A lot of systems on the market require complex concrete work to install vehicle restraints at the dock. Nevertheless, there are products available that use other types of restraints, such as Gladhands. These restraint systems lock out the vehicles air brakes, preventing movement and avoiding invasive concrete work installation.
Probably one of the most significant key benefits to installing the Salvo Loading Dock Safety System is just how easily and quickly it is installed. Set-up is clean, straightforward, and you’ll have your operations back in action in no time.
2. Low maintenance
Time is a valuable resource in any working environment, and we know that in loading operations, systems which cost you time and money for the sake of maintenance make for an unsustainable solution long term. The Salvo Loading Dock Safety System is low maintenance and does not require complex concrete work to install vehicle restraints at the dock. The system will keep on doing what it does best, without major intervention or expense – eliminating downtime and the cost often associated with complex mechanical systems.
3. Flexibility and ease of use
Many loading dock safety products on the market are permanent systems that cannot be removed from a warehouse facility once they have been installed. However, some loading dock safety systems like the Salvo Loading Dock Safety System offer the flexibility of a semi-permanent system. This can be beneficial to a retailer who is building their own site but may want the flexibility to move their loading dock safety system if they were to sell their warehouse and move locations.
The Salvo safety system is also easy to use, which alleviates any stress on the part of operations managers. Using trapped key interlocking principles which drives a forced sequence of actions, personnel cannot circumvent the system, and the process easily followed.
4. Versatility and compatibility
Selecting a versatile solution that is compatible with a wide range of warehouse designs and vehicle types will save you time by allowing you to meet the requirements of multiple projects instead of only one. We know that warehouse design will differ from site to site and may use different loading structures, door types and vehicles depending on the facility’s location, so we have you covered when you choose to install the Salvo Loading Dock Safety System – whatever your loading setup and environment.
Whether it’s loading docks, gangway platforms, open loading platforms, or any other loading environment, we can secure them all.
5. Lead time and customer service
It’s important that when selecting a provider of safety solutions that lead time is accounted for. A quick lead time will save time and avoid unnecessary delays. It’s also important that you choose a provider that offers top-quality customer service, especially for a product that needs to be specified into a project design. You need to be interacting with professionals who know the product and whose focus is not only on making the sale, but on providing you with the best service possible, post the installation.
The Salvo Loading Dock Safety System comes with a promise of great customer service, with professionals who make it their priority to get the job done timeously, and with your business needs in mind at every step of the process.
Take your loading operations to the next level, with the experts
Customers prefer to do business with companies that have robust safety practices in place. It reflects a company’s overall professionalism and dedication to high standards, which can be a competitive advantage in the market.
This is why when you choose Salvo, and the Salvo Loading Dock Safety System, you are choosing to partner with a brand that has taken every customer factor and unique priority into consideration, giving you a quality safety solution backed by longstanding expertise.
For more information about Salvo’s safety solutions, please read more at Loading Dock Safety Solutions and get in touch.
