Risks and Concerns of Open Shipping Doors
Guest blog by MHI member, Xpanda Quantum Security Products
Direct access to your facility through unlocked or open shipping doors may present several safety and liability issues.
Customers, drivers or unwelcomed visitors can walk directly into your facility unnoticed, and there are always risks for potential injury. The liability for unannounced visitors is something to be considered.
With the welcoming of spring as well as in warmer climates, the desire to have shipping doors open for fresh ventilation is common. This is when your business and staff are at the greatest risk.
Liability
Owners and warehouse managers will have peace of mind knowing that the employees he is responsible for are working in a safe environment. There is always a safety risk factor for warehouse employees and taking the necessary steps to ensure their workplace safety standards are exceedingly met is imperative.
Ventilation
As the warm weather approaches it is important for warehouses to be prepared and have adequate ventilation for their employees. However, leaving shipping doors open can raise many security concerns, such as theft from unwanted intruders or accidental falls. Security gates enable the needed ventilation, while not compromising the warehouse access, security or safety.
Slip and Falls
Accidental slip and falls are preventable if the correct safety measures are in place. Without dock height openings being blocked off, the potential for a catastrophic fall is there. Slip and falls are a main cause of injury and lost time on the job. Warehouse security gates reduce the risk of potential falls that unfortunately occur frequently at ware houses and industrial sites, and they will keep your staff and warehouse safe.
Added Security
By installing warehouse shipping door security gates, you are providing your business with an extra layer of safety and security. Criminals are frequently deterred by security gates as they know how difficult it is to break into a property that has physical security tools installed. Therefore, by adding security gates to your business you are reducing the risk of your property being a target.
Today security gates or access control gates come in a variety of designs, heights and colors including safety yellow.
Shipping / dock door security gates can be easily installed just about anywhere and with warmer weather just around the corner, it’s a perfect time for warehouses to assess their current safety and security procedures.
There are a number of solutions to explore that offer similar benefits depending on your situation, including: gates, curtains, mesh barriers, netting, removable panels and other. See MHI.org for equipment providers.
