Safety at the loading dock: What are the biggest challenges?

March 10, 2026

Milwaukee — Inconsistent training and pedestrian-forklift interactions top the list of dock operator safety challenges, according to a new report from Rite-Hite.

The manufacturer of loading dock equipment and other in-plant products commissioned a survey of 168 facility managers, operations leaders and safety professionals across multiple industries throughout North America. Its aim: Provide peer benchmarking data to help dock operators evaluate their facility’s performance and identify opportunities for improvement.

Nearly 1 out of 5 respondents cited worker turnover and inconsistent training (19%) or pedestrian/forklift interactions or vehicle impact risks (19%) as the biggest safety challenge faced by their dock team. Those were followed by:

• Pressure to maintain throughput while ensuring safety (18%)

• Lack of visibility into trend data (16%)

• Near misses not reported or tracked (14%)

• Equipment overrides or noncompliance with procedures (8%)

The report features a self-assessment for facility operators and recommendations for safety managers.

“We designed this report to help you benchmark your operation, identify gaps and learn from peers who are making meaningful progress.” Rite-Hite CEO Micaela Bomhack says in the report. “Whether you’re just beginning to track key metrics or already investing in connected equipment, I hope these insights provide clarity and confidence as you plan your next steps.”