Automatic Trailer Restraint

There are many advantages to automatic trailer restraints, and few disadvantages. 

For those organizations that are expanding dock services at their warehouse or are considering a new warehouse, the addition of automatic trailer restraints will more than pay for themselves over a period of time. 

The potential for serious injury is evident when looking at the OSHA data regarding dock safety. Trailers being pulled away from the dock or creeping are responsible for many injuries and fatalities each year. Close calls and serious incidents provide other high-risk exposures. 

Other than powered equipment, there are moving hazards within a warehouse that are overlooked at times but create serious exposures to pinching, shearing, cutting, or grinding actions. Areas to be considered can involve  

---

Several years ago an automatic trailer restraint was invented that allows for the trailer to be temporarily attached to the dock. An automatic trailer restraint is illustrated in Figure 6-1. When a trailer is spotted at the dock, a button on a panel within the warehouse is pushed and a bar/hook combination rotate upward from the dock floor to engage the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) bar, which then is secured by the restraint. It is estimated that over 95 percent of all trailers have an ICC bar. 

Figure 6-1. With an automatic trailer restraint system, a red light warns the operator not to enter the trailer and a green light shows that it is safe to proceed. The restraint hooks onto the trailer s ICC bar.

Be sure the trailer s wheels are chocked or the trailer is secured with an automatic trailer restraint, before entering. Figure 10-16 illustrates the dangers in trailer pull-away while using a walkie. 

---