Equipping Your Loading Dock For Comfort: Three Ideas To Consider

Working on a loading dock can be a tough job. Heavy lifting and exposure to the elements can lead to long days, but there are ways you can equip the dock for employee comfort. Here are a few options to consider as you look at ways to improve the working experience for your staff.

High-Velocity Fans

When trucks are backed up to your loading dock, summer weather conditions can creep into the building. Any air conditioning you have may be mitigated by the dock doors being open. Adding high-velocity fans to each side of your dock bays provides a target stream of cool air to keep your staff comfortable as they load or unload pallets throughout the day. Consider mounting these fans on articulating arms along the wall so your employees can adjust the angle for optimum enjoyment. You can also add large fans to the back of the dock to blow cool air toward the dock doors.

Radiant Tube Heaters

While portable space heaters may provide some temporary relief on cold days, you'll want a more permanent solution for heating your dock in the winter. Radiant tube heaters placed on the ceiling over your dock can be a great solution. Unlike ducted heating systems, radiant heat does not need to be air-forced. This means the warmth simply radiates throughout the entire area. Placing these heaters above the dock doors and throughout the loading dock can make it easier for your staff to get the job done on very cold days. Of course, you can also supplement the heaters with a few complementary items, such as hand warmers or winter hats with your company logo embroidered on them

Brighter Lighting

Loading docks can sometimes be dark spaces. With few or no windows, the lighting inside must come from artificial sources. Too little light can make your dock gloomy, and it can also lead to potential safety hazards if visibility is too low. Consider upgrading your lighting system to help combat these issues. Extra overhead lights near the dock doors can help illuminate the entire area, while adjustable spotlights make it easy for your staff to see inside trailers parked at the dock. Inspect your dock to see where there may be a need for more lighting, and consider extending this idea to the rest of your warehouse. With conditions better lit, it may be easier for staff to locate and organize inventory, which can lead to better efficiency.

For more information, reach out to suppliers for dock equipment.