Best practices and strategies for yard safety
The hustle and bustle of trucking terminals pose a greater risk of injury to employees compared to the open highway. Recognizing this, safety professionals are focusing more on accidents within the yard.
Implementing a specific yard safety plan is essential for every trucking company to protect their workforce. Here are five tips to enhance your yard safety and reduce accidents:
1. Monitor speed
Excessive speed is a significant risk factor, especially near blind spots where pedestrian traffic is frequent. Trucks should adhere to a speed limit of no more than 10 mph within the yard. Safety professionals can enforce this by utilizing physical observations and dash camera analytics. Many dash camera platforms can set up alerts for speeding, which can then be filtered to the appropriate personnel for coaching.
2. Address blind spots
Blind spots, particularly around corners or when backing up, often lead to severe injuries. Equip yard tractors with rear-facing cameras, install large mirrors at building corners, and ensure all tractors have backup alarms. To emphasize the dangers, let employees sit in a tractor to experience the blind spots firsthand.
3. Utilize high-visibility safety vests
High-visibility safety vests make employees more noticeable to drivers and other vehicle operators, especially in low-light conditions. Assign these vests to all yard employees and customers loading freight. Also, maintain and enforce designated pedestrian walkways with fresh paint.
4. Maintain yard surfaces and lighting
Weather conditions and heavy truck traffic can quickly deteriorate a trucking yard, leading to potholes and standing water. These hazards can cause daily injuries, such as twisted ankles, as drivers exit their trucks or walk to the terminal. Allocate resources to repair potholes promptly and improve yard lighting to prevent such incidents.
5. Strengthen communication and training
Effective safety training raises awareness and reinforces existing safety policies. Encourage open communication about near-miss incidents to identify areas for improvement. Ensure strict adherence to safety policies, and coach employees who violate safety controls.
To further bolster yard safety, consider implementing a buddy system where employees can look out for one another, especially during high-traffic periods. Additionally, incorporating regular safety drills can help reinforce safety protocols. By fostering a culture of safety, employees are more likely to take personal responsibility for their actions and look out for their peers. Remember, a proactive approach to safety is the best way to prevent accidents and protect your workforce.
Key to remember: A well-designed truck yard with robust safety controls significantly reduces the risk of injuries for motor carriers.