Dockboard safety requirements

Dockboards must be able to support the maximum intended load without failing. Employers must ensure each dockboard "is capable of supporting the maximum intended load" by following the general load-bearing requirements in 1910.26(a) and the housekeeping/maintenance capacity rules in 1910.22(b).

• Check the dockboard rating and compare it to the heaviest transfer vehicle plus cargo that will use it.
• Keep documentation or labels showing rated capacity and inspect dockboards for damage that reduces strength.

(See 1910.26(a) and 1910.22(b).)

Dockboards placed into initial service on or after January 17, 2017 must be designed, built, and kept so transfer vehicles cannot run off the dockboard edge. 1910.26(b)(1) requires run-off protection on dockboards introduced to service on or after that date.

• "Transfer vehicles" commonly include forklifts, pallet jacks, and similar powered equipment; evaluate your fleet when choosing run-off protection.
• Typical run-off protections include curbs, wheel guides, or edge lips sized to stop vehicle wheels without creating a new hazard.

(See 1910.26(b)(1).)

An employer may use a dockboard without run-off protection if they can demonstrate there is no hazard of transfer vehicles running off the dockboard edge. 1910.26(b)(2) provides this exception.

• To rely on the exception, document the hazard assessment showing why run-off protection is unnecessary (e.g., vehicle speed limits, wheel sizes, dock configuration, or wheel stops on the receiving vehicle).
• Reevaluate the demonstration whenever operations, equipment, or loads change.

(See 1910.26(b)(2).)

Portable dockboards must be anchored or use devices that stop them from moving out of a safe position; if securing is not feasible, they must have enough contact with the surfaces to prevent movement. 1910.26(c) requires either anchoring or other effective means.

• Acceptable securing methods include pins, chains, cleats, clamps, dockboard locks, or mechanical anchors designed for the dockboard model.
• If anchoring is not feasible (e.g., temporary setups), ensure the dockboard has sufficient bearing area, friction, or lips that hold it in place under expected loads.
• Inspect securing devices before each use and after any loading that could dislodge the dockboard.

(See 1910.26(c).)

Employers must use measures such as wheel chocks or sand shoes to prevent the transport vehicle from moving while employees are on the dockboard. 1910.26(d) requires positive means to immobilize the vehicle.

• Common controls: wheel chocks placed in front of and behind wheels, vehicle parking brakes verified, wheel-clamping devices, or wheel immobilizers designed for the vehicle type.
• Do not rely solely on a vehicle's parking brake without a secondary physical restraint (e.g., chocks), especially during loading/unloading.
• Train employees on proper placement and inspection of chocks; remove chocks only after employees and dockboard are clear.

(See 1910.26(d).)

Yes — portable dockboards must have handholds or other means that let workers handle them safely. 1910.26(e) requires devices for safe handling.

• Handholds should allow workers to lift, position, and remove the dockboard without awkward postures or pinch points.
• If handholds are not practical, provide alternative means such as lifting pins, hooks, or mechanical aids (e.g., trolleys, hoists) to move the dockboard safely.
• Train employees on proper lifting techniques and use of handling devices to prevent strains and crush injuries.

(See 1910.26(e).)

Transfer vehicles are powered or manual units used to move goods across a dockboard (for example, forklifts, pallet jacks, or tow-motors), and their characteristics must be considered when choosing a dockboard. 1910.26(b)(1) requires dockboards to prevent such vehicles from running off the edge when applicable.

• Select dockboards rated for the vehicle wheel type, wheelbase, axle load, and tire width.
• Include vehicle stopping distance, operator practice, and vehicle speed in the hazard assessment for run-off protection.
• If using non-powered transfer equipment (e.g., manual pallet jacks), ensure securing and contact area strategies per 1910.26(c).

It means the portable dockboard must have enough bearing area and friction against the dock and vehicle surfaces so it cannot shift out of a safe position under expected loads. 1910.26(c) allows this when anchoring is not feasible.

• Sufficient contact can be achieved by large, flat bearing surfaces, non-skid pads, cleats, or lips that engage the dock edge and vehicle bed.
• Perform load tests or workplace evaluations to confirm the dockboard does not move during typical operations.
• Reassess if you change vehicles, cargo types, or use different equipment.

Yes — employers must ensure dockboards are maintained so they remain safe to use, which means inspecting them before use for damage, secure anchoring, run-off protection, and safe handling features. 1910.26(a) and 1910.26(c)-(e) describe load capability, securing, immobilization measures, and handholds.

• Check for cracks, bent sections, worn or missing securing devices, loose handholds, and any deformation that reduces load capacity.
• Verify wheel chocks or other vehicle immobilizers are available and in good condition before employees step onto the dockboard.
• Remove damaged dockboards from service until repaired or replaced and keep inspection records if part of your safety program.

Yes — permanently installed dockboards are an acceptable option and generally avoid the securing issues of portable dockboards, provided they meet the same load, run-off protection, and maintenance requirements in 1910.26.

• Permanent dockboards should be engineered to support the maximum intended loads per 1910.26(a).
• Even permanent installations must prevent vehicle movement (see 1910.26(d)).
• Maintain and inspect permanent dockboards like any other equipment.

No — 1910.26(e) requires portable dockboards to be equipped with handholds or other means to permit safe handling, so if handholds are impractical you must provide an alternate safe handling method.

• Acceptable alternatives include lifting hooks, attachment points for mechanical lifting devices, or carts/trolleys designed for that dockboard.
• Whatever method is provided must allow employees to handle the dockboard without undue strain or increased risk of crush or pinch injuries.

It means the run-off protection requirement in 1910.26(b)(1) only applies to dockboards placed into service on or after January 17, 2017; dockboards already in service before that date are not automatically required to be retrofitted but must still be maintained safely.

• Older dockboards must still meet general load capacity and maintenance requirements under 1910.26(a).
• Employers should evaluate legacy dockboards for safety and consider retrofitting or replacing them if they pose a run-off hazard or cannot be safely secured per 1910.26(c).

Employers should document dockboard capacity by labeling the dockboard with its rated load and keeping records that demonstrate the dockboard meets required load-bearing rules in 1910.26(a) and the general housekeeping/maintenance provisions in 1910.22(b).

• Labels should be durable, legible, and placed where operators can easily see them.
• Maintain engineering documentation, test results, or manufacturer specifications supporting the rated capacity.
• Update records whenever a dockboard is modified, repaired, or its intended loads change.

Acceptable run-off protections include design features that physically prevent transfer vehicle wheels from going over the dockboard edge, such as curbs, raised lips, wheel guides, or built-in wheel stops. The requirement for such protection is in 1910.26(b)(1).

• Whatever design is chosen, it must prevent the foreseeable risk of a vehicle running off while not introducing new hazards (e.g., tripping or jamming wheels).
• Consult the dockboard manufacturer for compatible run-off features and verify they do not reduce load capacity required by 1910.26(a).

Employers must ensure the dockboard supports the maximum intended load and is secured and used with measures appropriate to the vehicle type — the same 1910.26(a)-(d) requirements apply whether the dockboard bridges a truck, semi-trailer, trailer, or rail car.

• Rail cars can shift more easily; use positive immobilization methods and check for railcar-specific features (e.g., landing gear, wheel locks).
• Ensure the dockboard contact area and securing devices match the height and sill configuration of each vehicle type.
• Use wheel chocks, car pins, or other controls to prevent movement per 1910.26(d).

Employers should train workers to select, inspect, secure, handle, and operate dockboards safely, focusing on load limits, anchoring, vehicle immobilization, and safe handling devices as required in 1910.26(a)-(e).

• Topics: maximum intended load, how to anchor or secure a dockboard, proper placement and inspection of wheel chocks, using handholds or mechanical aids, and safe lifting techniques.
• Include recognition of run-off hazards and the employer's demonstration when run-off protection is not used per 1910.26(b)(2).
• Keep training records and refresh periodically or when procedures/equipment change.

No — employers must ensure the dockboard itself is secured by anchoring or other devices or have sufficient contact to prevent movement; relying solely on vehicle operators is not an acceptable substitute for meeting 1910.26(c).

• The standard requires the dockboard to be anchored or otherwise prevented from moving, or to provide sufficient contact if anchoring isn't feasible.
• Vehicle immobilization (wheel chocks) under 1910.26(d) is a separate, necessary control that complements dockboard securing.
• Document procedures assigning responsibilities and verify compliance through inspections.

Yes — federal OSHA standards in Part 1910 form the baseline; state-plan states must have programs at least as effective, but they may adopt more stringent requirements. Employers should follow the federal rule 1910.26 and check their State Plan for any additional obligations.

• If your workplace is in an OSHA-approved state-plan State, confirm whether that State has different or additional dockboard rules.
• When in doubt, follow the more protective requirement between federal and State standards.