​WSHMS-02B-SOP-014-02

PURPOSE

To establish divisional expectations and standards regarding a loading dock safety program at River East Transcona School Division (RETSD) that meets or exceeds all municipal, federal and provincial legislated workplace safety and health program requirements.

A loading dock safety must be defined and documented for compliance as part of Element 2, identify and control hazards and emergencies, for the effective development and implementation of a workplace safety and health program under Manitoba legislation.

SCOPE

This safe operating procedure and associated documents establish a procedure for a cafeteria food services facility program for all workers at RETSD.

The best practices apply to all RETSD worksites with food services, industrial kitchen or related facilities and equipment.

RESPONSIBILITY

Local Supervision

Local Supervision is expected to manage all loading dock and zone safety regulations.

Maintenance Staff

Maintenance is responsible to ensure that all physical facilities associate with loading docks and zones are properly provided.

LOADING DOCK SAFETY PROGRAM GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

River East Transcona School Division shall provide all necessary equipment, tools, safe work instructions and employee training to ensure safety in loading dock work environments.

1.      Safety and health training shall be provided to dock workers.

2.      Written departmental safety and health procedures and Safe Work Instructions shall provide to dock workers during the training process.

3.      Motorized and non-motorized equipment training shall be provided to dock workers.

4.      Refresher training shall be provided annually to all dock workers.

5.      Dock workers shall be trained in safe lifting and manual materials handling techniques

6.      All dock workers shall be trained in the safe handling, storage, and use of controlled products? (W.H.M.I.S. training)

7.      All dock workers shall train in proper wheel chocking and or trailer securement procedures.

8.      All dock workers shall be trained in the proper use of dock levellers, bridge plates and mechanical dock locking devices, as applicable.

9.      Safety talks should be held with dock workers on a regular basis.

10.  All dock workers shall be trained to properly secure loads for transport.

11.  All dock workers shall be trained in proper trailer loading and unloading procedures.

Housekeeping

1.      General housekeeping standards shall be maintained in the loading dock area.

2.      Floors shall be swept daily.

3.      Floors shall be washed regularly.

4.      Refuse containers are available and shall be emptied at a minimum daily.

Material Handling Equipment

1. Motorized equipment shall have the following in good working order specific to the job task requirements:

• lights

• horn

• seat belt (if applicable)

• emergency brakes

• operator's manual

• Pre shift inspection checklist

2. Motorized equipment aisles and pedestrian aisle-ways shall be clearly identified

3. Aisle way mirrors should be provided at blind corners.

4. All material and equipment storage areas should be clearly identified

5. Pallets should be inspected before each use.

Loading  Dock Area

1. Dock approaches shall be free from potholes or deteriorated pavement.

2. Dock bumpers should be in good repair.

3. Trailer positions should be marked with lines or lights for accurate trailer spotting.

4. After trailers are spotted, trailer dollies should be dropped.

5. Wheel chocks must be used to block trailers and prevent movement during loading and unloading operations.

6. Mechanical dock locking shall be used to secure trailers where available.

7. Two trailer wheel chocks should be used for each trailer.

8. Trailer wheel chocks should be chained or otherwise secured to the building

9. All warning signs or warning lights should be used when required.

10. If dock levellers are used, they should be in proper working order.

11. Leveller or dock plate capacity must be adequate given typical load weights, lift truck speeds, ramp inclines, and frequency of use.

12. When loading trailers that have been disconnected from the tractor, trailer jacks must be used to secure and support the nose of the trailer to prevent the trailer from tipping forward.

Other Considerations

1. Truck drivers should be provided with a place away from the loading dock to wait while their trailer is being loaded or unloaded

2. Truck engines shall be turned off during the loading or unloading operation

3. All dock workers and visitors wear personal protective equipment when required (i.e. protective footwear, gloves, hearing protection, eye protection, etc.)

4. Airborne hazards like carbon monoxide levels should be monitored to evaluate dock worker exposure.

5. Lighting shall be adequate for tasks being performed in the loading dock area.

6. All emergency exits kept clear and unobstructed.

COMMUNICATION

A combination of hard-copy postings, distributions and electronic posting will be used to communicate safety and health program information within RETSD.

TRAINING

All stakeholders shall be trained to their required level of involvement in the WSHMS to become familiar with its structure, organization, and how to look up and access information both electronically and in hard copy form through:

• New employee orientation, employee manuals or employment information packages

• Return to work or remedial programs, as required on an individual basis

• Planned ongoing training through team meetings, individual coaching or other methods as developed or adopted

ENFORCEMENT

Ultimately, the superintendent shall be responsible for the sustainability of the WSHMS, and shall enforce compliance to standards at a divisional level.

Workplace safety and health management system compliance shall be managed through the application of performance management and progressive discipline policies and procedures.

Worker failure to comply with provisions of the RETSD safety program may lead to discipline, up to and including discharge from employment and / or other remedies available at law.

Divisional Safety and Health Officer

Controlled:

Divisional Safety and Health Officer

Reviewed:

Divisional Workplace Safety and Health Committee

Issued: 

Director of Human Resources

Approved:

Director of Maintenance

Origin Date:

August 31, 2010

Last Revised:

July 31, 2018

Last Reviewed:

July 31, 2018

Next Review On or Before:

July 31, 2021

Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act or equivalent legislation as applicable

Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Regulation or equivalent legislation as applicable

Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Regulation Part 02 – General Duties

Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Program Element 02 – Identifying and Controlling Hazards

All other associated and applicable workplace safety and health management system documents