Truck Loading Safety
Truck loading safety is a top priority. Copperloy understands this and wants its clients to have the best resources when it comes to yard ramp safety. In addition to manuals and, of course, excellent customer service, their website serves as a resource too! From user-friendly features to loading/unloading tips, Copperloy has you covered.
Yard Ramp Safety Features
Starting with yard ramp safety features, Copperloy designs its dock equipment with safety in mind. Standard features increase safety and user-friendliness.
8-FOOT LEVEL OFF
An 8-foot level off provides forklifts and other moving equipment easy access. This feature makes for a very stable ramp.
15-INCH LIP
A 15-inch lip design rests firmly on the truck carrier body, dock floor, or platform. The lip plate ensures a secure connection. Additionally, mobile ramps come with 8-foot long safety chains. Both features bridge the gap and assure that the ramp won’t pull away.
HIGH-STRENGTH STEEL DECK GRATING
Standard on all Copperloy ramps, high-strength steel grating offers all-weather traction. Steel grating bars are spaced to allow rain, snow, and other debris to fall through.
7-INCH CURBS
All Copperloy ramps have 7″ high safety curbs. Safety curbs help prevent incidental runoff and protect the safety of the operator. All part of Copperloy’s patented box frame!
Additional Truck Loading Safety Tips
Carefully review the yard ramps safety tips so you and your team can safely load and unload your trucks.
Check Equipment Capabilities
Made in the USA, Copperloy ramps are built with ultimate durability and made to last. Though constructed with the highest quality of metals, all things have their limits. Be sure not to exceed maximum load capacity.
Use Wheel Chocks
Combine standard ramp features with dock equipment accessories and Copperloy sets you up for success. Copperloy accessories include aluminum wheel chocks. Wheel chocks prevent dangerous movement during loading tasks. A snug fit offers maximum holding and protection from involuntary movements from jolts and shifting.
Unload on a Level Surface
Beneath the ramp, the ground should be solid. Ideally, unload on concrete or pavement.
Secure Ramp Connection
Make sure the lip of the ramp securely connects to the dock or truck. Additionally, attach safety chains when applicable.
Move at Safe Speeds
Do not exceed 5mph when using the towbar. The towbar is intended for short distances. Also, the positioning sleeve is designed to maneuver and reposition the yard ramp, not to tow long distances.
Maintain and Check Ramp Conditions
Check for signs of rust or damage prior to use. It is also important to monitor hydraulic fluid on ramps that use a hydraulic operation to adjust the height. Additionally, it is also important to monitor the condition of the loading dock. Check for cracks, damage, etcetera.
Overall, be aware and use common sense. Check capacity, ensure stability, and properly maintain equipment. For added measure, keep a few common spare parts on hand with Copperloy accessories. Contact the Copperloy team with any questions!
Ramp Safety is Copperloy’s Top Priority
OSHA Guidelines for Forklift Use Yard Ramps and Warehouse Loading Dock Ramps
OSHA’s guidelines for forklift ramp safety are related to speed and maintaining a slow, controlled ascent or descent on the ramp. Specific requirements include:
- 29 CFR 1926.451(e)(5)(ii)– “No ramp or walkway shall be inclined more than a slope of one vertical to three horizontal (20 degrees above the horizontal).”
- 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(7)– “Grades shall be ascended or descended slowly.”
- 29 CFR 1910.178(m)(6)– “A safe distance shall be maintained from the edge of ramps…”
The design of the forklift ramps from Copperloy helps meet these requirements, keeping forklift operators safe.
The number of forklift fatalities by industry and type of accident:
| Fatal Accident Type | % | Where fatalities occur | % | |
| Crushed by vehicle tipping over | 42% | Mining | 1.2 | |
| Crushed between vehicle and a surface | 25% | Construction | 23.8 | |
| Crushed between two vehicles | 11% | Manufacturing | 42.5 | |
| Struck or run over by a forklift | 10% | Transportation | 11.0 | |
| Struck by falling material | 8% | Wholesale trades | 12.5 | |
| Fall from platform on the forks | 4% | Retail trade | 9.0 |
Choosing Dock Ramps That Comply With OSHA Requirements
Whether you need a yard ramp that can provide access to trucks in the shipping yard, or an auxiliary mobile ramp for your loading dock, OSHA compliance begins with picking the right heavy-duty, safest ramp for the job.
In light of the number of accidents on forklifts, OSHA estimates 85 fatal forklift accidents per year; 34,900 forklift accidents result in serious injury; and 61,800 are classified as non-serious. Copperloy takes ramp safety seriously in all the features of their yard ramp safety features. This data is supported by the Industrial Truck Association, which estimates there are about 855,900 forklifts in the U.S. Therefore, over 11% of all forklifts will be involved in some type of accident each year.
Contact Copperloy to learn more about ramp safety and alignment with OSHA guidelines