Product Overview

Summary: This Docking and Undocking Safety Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step-by-step framework for safely securing and releasing vehicles, trailers, or vessels at docks and loading bays. It helps Australian businesses control high-risk interactions between people, plant, and traffic, while demonstrating due diligence under WHS legislation.

Docking and undocking activities are some of the highest-risk tasks in logistics, warehousing, distribution centres, and marine berthing operations. Multiple vehicles, heavy plant, pedestrians, and time pressure all converge in a confined space, creating significant potential for crush injuries, falls, collisions, and property damage. This Docking and Undocking Safety Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, repeatable method for safely positioning, securing, loading/unloading, and releasing vehicles, trailers, or vessels at docks and loading bays.

The procedure sets out clear controls for traffic management, communication between drivers and dock staff, use of wheel chocks and dock restraints, verification of loading status, and safe separation of people from moving plant. It supports businesses to comply with Australian WHS duties by documenting how risks are identified and controlled, how pre-use checks are carried out, and how emergencies are managed at the dock. By implementing this SOP, organisations can significantly reduce near misses and serious incidents, streamline training for new staff, and provide evidence of a robust safety management system to auditors, clients, and regulators.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of crush injuries, falls, and vehicle collisions during docking and undocking activities.
• Ensure consistent, repeatable docking and undocking practices across shifts, sites, and contractors.
• Support compliance with WHS legislation, traffic management requirements, and chain of responsibility obligations.
• Improve coordination and communication between drivers, forklift operators, and dock personnel.
• Minimise damage to vehicles, docks, loading equipment, and customer goods through controlled, documented procedures.

Who is this for?

• Warehouse Managers
• Transport and Logistics Managers
• Loading Dock Supervisors
• Forklift Operators
• Truck Drivers
• Yard Marshals
• Marine Operations Supervisors (where applicable)
• WHS Advisors and Safety Officers
• Operations Managers
• Distribution Centre Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Vehicle-to-pedestrian collisions in and around loading docks and bays
• Crush injuries between vehicles, docks, bumpers, and loading equipment
• Uncontrolled vehicle movement due to inadequate braking or chocking
• Falls from loading docks, ramps, or tailgates
• Struck-by incidents from forklifts and other mobile plant during loading and unloading
• Pinch and entrapment injuries from dock levellers, restraints, and ramps
• Manual handling strains from incorrectly positioned vehicles and awkward loading conditions
• Slips, trips, and falls on wet, uneven, or obstructed dock surfaces
• Communication failures between drivers, spotters, and loading personnel
• Property damage and load shift from improper docking alignment or premature departure

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Applicable Dock Types (Vehicle, Trailer, Marine)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (Drivers, Dock Supervisors, Forklift Operators, Spotters)
• 4.0 Required Training, Competency and Induction
• 5.0 Required PPE, Signage and Equipment
• 6.0 Pre-Docking Checks (Site, Vehicle, Dock and Equipment)
• 7.0 Traffic Management and Pedestrian Exclusion Controls
• 8.0 Standard Docking Procedure (Approach, Positioning and Securing)
• 9.0 Loading and Unloading Safety Requirements
• 10.0 Standard Undocking Procedure (Release, Departure and Final Checks)
• 11.0 Hazard Identification and Control Measures Specific to Docks
• 12.0 Communication Protocols and Hand Signals
• 13.0 Managing Contractors, Visitors and Third-Party Drivers
• 14.0 Emergency Procedures (Incidents, Equipment Failure, Spills and Injuries)
• 15.0 Inspection, Maintenance and Housekeeping Requirements for Docks
• 16.0 Documentation, Records and Audit Requirements
• 17.0 Review, Consultation and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – General Guide for Workplace Traffic Management
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace
• Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) – Chain of Responsibility (where road freight is involved)
• AS 2359.2: Powered industrial trucks – Operations
• AS/NZS ISO 31000: Risk management – Guidelines