Container unloading is an activity that must be undertaken at some point during any logistics process. The logistics process is one that makes up the backbone of many businesses across the world, and there are countless hidden faces of workers behind the scenes who keep the business operation running smoothly. Container unloading can involve serious hazards to workers, and it is definitely not necessarily a danger-free job. Container unloading involves heavy machinery and equipment, as well as the items within the unit and the unit itself, a heavy item which is being moved around. The main hazards concerning this is to do with falling goods, falls from heights, hazardous placement of the unit, manual handling and environmental hazards. While it is important for the process to continue, it is vital for workers to have PPE and know the protocols that should be undertaken in order to minimize any danger that can arise from these activities.
Here is what you need to know about container unloading.
Hazards
Hazardous placement of unit on the site
When container unloading occurs, the unit has to be placed somewhere.
Placing it in a hazardous area that could bring danger to others around it is not a smart move. Examples of this would be placing it on a road or near a road, in which there is oncoming traffic. This could easily cause an accident, and the collision can harm people. Another example of this could be if a unit is placed too close to a powerline. This can bring about the risk of electrical interference and place people at risk of electrocution. How this can be prevented is to ensure that the unit is placed away from roads and oncoming traffic, as well as signage to ensure that people know that container unloading is occurring.
It should also be placed away from overhead powerlines, or continue the process at another location if this is not possible.
Falls from heights
Falls from heights are a real risk during container unloading. This is because the unit itself could be on a truck, which is some height above the ground, and workers could slip and fall to the ground injuring themselves. To prevent this, it is important to use a mobile platform which can be raised to the unit in order to prevent the workers working from heights. The unit should be unpacked from ground level, and not from above the ground as this could throw off the balance of workers, resulting in falls and injuries.
Falling goods
Falling goods can definitely damage and harm workers, as well as damaging the product. When undergoing container unloading, the products should be looked after as the clients will want them in good condition, as well as the workers as they should also go home in one piece. Goods that are shifting against the doors of the unit could force them to open uncontrollably, resulting in goods flying everywhere unpredictably. This could be an issue on the roads when the unit is being transported, as they could become road hazards.
This would also be an issue when workers are container unloading, as falling goods can cause serious injury to a human. To prevent this, the doors should also be secured with a short rope in order to determine if the doors have shifted open, while preventing them from doing so.
In summary, container unloading can be very dangerous, however if certain protocols are put into place in order to prevent hazards, container unloading can be considered safe for the workers. It is thereby important to implement these guidelines.