Injuries on loading docks can account for up to 25% of all reported injuries within supply chain facilities. Theft of goods or trailers costs organizations millions of dollars each year. While not directly related to each other, many of those losses can be attributed to a lack of basic loading dock safety or security control measures.
To take it a step further, whenever someone asks me how well a supply chain facility is doing, I always direct their attention to the loading dock. Upon observation, if that loading dock is safe, efficient and secure, the operation tends to be productive and profitable. Why? Loading docks act as the pulse of an organization, primarily responsible for efficiently getting materials in, and finished goods out to support the demands of the internal operations and the external customer.
More on loading dock injuries on Material Handling & Logistics.
Material Handling & Logistics is an NED companion site within Penton's Manufacturing & Supply Chain Group.