When companies are outfitting the loading dock area of their business, they must purchase the right types of equipment.
Not only will various tools like levelers, plates, and boards, increase productivity, but they will also promote a safe working environment for employees. Approximately 25% of workplace injuries occur on loading docks. That’s why it’s crucial for business owners to understand OSHA requirements, and to supply their staff with the right devices from companies like DACO.
If you’re trying to decide on the right loading dock equipment for your business, there are several great options to consider.
DOCK LEVELERS
Chances are your business will have a wide variety of trucks and loads coming into your docking area. In order to account for varying truck heights, a permanent dock leveler might be the perfect piece of loading dock equipment for your company.
Dock levelers are installed directly into the bay dock and can be used to support hefty truck loads. Depending on the types of trucks and drop-offs you expect at your business, there are three different types of levelers available to meet your needs, including:
- Mechanical Loading Dock Levelers
- Hydraulic Loading Dock Levelers
- Vertical Loading Dock Levelers
- Edge of Dock Levelers
DOCK PLATES
Unlike dock levelers, dock plates are used for better usability from project-to-project. These devices are meant solely for medium-weight loads and should only be used with manual products such as pallet jacks and hand trucks.
This variety of loading dock equipment features a safety treadplate surface and can be used for smooth entrances and exits between the truck and the dock.
DOCK BOARDS
One of the most common questions that companies like DACO receive from customers is, ‘What’s the difference between dock plates and dock boards?
The answer is quite simple!
The primary difference between the two is the type of equipment that can be used with them. While you can certainly use pallet jacks and hand trucks on dock boards, they have the bonus of working for motorized equipment, as well. If you’re looking for loading dock equipment that can also be used with machinery like forklifts, a dock board might be your best solution.
Truck Restraints, Wheel Chocks, And Accessories
When it comes to finding the right loading dock equipment for your business, you shouldn’t forget about smaller devices like truck restraints, wheel chocks, and other accessories, like stop and go lights.
These products promote a safer working environment and remedy issues like vehicle rolling and premature trailer departure. Truck restraints can even minimize the amount of possible theft that could take place at your company’s loading dock.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE VARIOUS TYPES OF LOADING DOCK EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE
Business owners are constantly looking for innovative new ways to increase workplace productivity and limit the number of safety incidents and workplace accidents that occur.
To streamline your processes, it’s crucial to purchase the right types of loading dock equipment to help you along.
The industry-leading experts at DACO have years of experience helping companies choose the right devices and machines for their business. If you’re interested in learning more about how our staff can help contact us today by calling 877-764-0453.
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