Prevent forklifts falls and early departures

For nearly thirty years, GMR Safety has been at the forefront of loading bay safety, pioneering straightforward yet innovative wheel-based vehicle restraints for material handling. With a steadfast commitment to addressing critical safety issues, GMR Safety aims to protect its partners' most valuable asset – their employees.

Understanding the risks

An early departure occurs when a truck driver mistakenly drives away before loading and unloading operations are completed. This premature action poses a significant risk, especially if a forklift is entering, leaving, or still inside the trailer. The abrupt movement can lead to severe injuries and even fatalities for the forklift operator, who may be caught off guard and thrown off balance.

"Dock walk" or "trailer creep" within the industry, occur due to the repeated in-and-out motion of a forklift during loading and unloading. This motion causes the trailer to gradually shift or "creep" away from the dock, creating a hazardous gap. This gap poses a severe danger to the forklift operator, who might inadvertently drive into it, leading to falls, injuries, and potentially life-threatening accidents.

Open dock doors pose a significant hazard, especially without vehicles present. Forklift operators can inadvertently drive off the edge, leading to severe injuries or fatalities. Contributing factors include poor visibility, distractions, inadequate training, and complacency. Preventive measures include installing safety gates, using dock door sensors, conducting operator training, posting clear signage, and performing routine inspections.

An Unexcelled Solution: The POWERCHOCK concept 

The POWERCHOCK series is specifically designed to prevent early departures and forklift falls as it stands out from typical wheel chocks on the market due to its exceptional reliability and robustness. Made in-house with high-tensile steel, it can withstand up to 50,000 lbs of pull-away force and it is compatible with all types of vehicles. 

Each model of the range is tailored to meet various preferences and operational needs, performing effectively in all climates, including extreme winter conditions with snow and ice. To demonstrate their reliability, all models come with a unique 5-year warranty and require no maintenance – no lubrication is needed throughout their lifetime.

To enhance safety further, the POWERCHOCK models are equipped with an advanced audio/visual communication system. This system provides clear safety insights both inside and outside the warehouse, indicating whether the chock is correctly positioned in front of the trailer wheel. This ensures that loading and unloading operations are effectively secured.

For more information, visit gmrsafety.com