Loading Docks Risk Assessment

Product Overview

This risk assessment covers loading dock activities involving vehicle access, freight movement, dock conditions, mobile plant and non-routine work. It supports planning and risk management by identifying interactions, falls, load movement, environmental conditions and incident response needs.

Activities & Risks Covered

This assessment addresses activities and risks including:

• Manage dock access, traffic flow and separation between pedestrians, vehicles and mobile plant.
• Address dock edges, trailer gaps, alignment and fall risks for workers and moving equipment.
• Plan vehicle arrival, parking, docking and restraint to manage trailer movement and unexpected driver entry.
• Operate forklifts and powered mobile plant while considering collisions, dropped loads and instability.
• Move pallets and freight while managing manual handling, crush and equipment-stability risks.
• Manage load stability, stacking, falling goods and shifted loads during release or wrap removal.
• Maintain housekeeping, surfaces and lighting to reduce slips, trips, traction loss and collisions.
• Consider fumes, air quality, electrical equipment and fire risks in dock and trailer areas.
• Manage rain, wash-down, heat, sun, wind, glare and low visibility during dock work.
• Plan for incidents, breakdowns, jam clearing and after-hours deliveries.

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses working in or managing loading dock activities.

Activities & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template records model guidance used to inform the documented controls. Applicable WHS/OHS laws and adopted Codes vary by state or territory, so confirm the current local requirements when tailoring the assessment:

• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of plant in the workplace — Plant hazard identification — Traffic movements in the workplace; p. 17.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Hazardous manual tasks — 4.1 The hierarchy of control measures; p. 31.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing electrical risks in the workplace — 2.1 Identifying the hazards; p. 14.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing the risk of falls at workplaces — 3.2 Identifying the hazards; p. 16.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing the work environment and facilities — 2. The work environment; p. 13.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing the risk of fatigue at work — Provide sufficient breaks while at work; p. 30.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace — 2.1 How to identify which chemicals are hazardous; p. 15.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: First aid in the workplace — 3. First aid equipment, facilities and training; p. 12.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: How to manage work health and safety risks — 5. Step 4 — How to review controls; p. 27.

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Standard Risk Assessment Features (Click to Expand)

• Activity-specific hazard identification and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each activity
• Risk matrix and assessment classification
• Review, monitoring and sign-off fields
• Site-specific customisation before use