Wheel Chocks
Hi all. As far as wheel chocks for trailers (loading/unloading), is there a reg that states the responsibility of who should actually be placing and removing the chocks. The driver, the forklift operator? I couldn't find anything in 1910.178 or the FMSCA regs that specifically stated it. Everywhere I've ever worked operated under the premise that it was the truck drivers responsibility to chock and remove the chocks, and our employees were responsible for verifying the trailer was chocked before entering. I've been getting pushback from drivers on setting the chocks. I've already budgeted for dok-loks in 2025 for the rest of my sites, so I won't have to worry about this soon. Happy new year!
Comments (5)
The FMCSRs typically don't apply to the truck once it's parked, but below is a link to a relevant OSHA interpretation regarding the matter and OSHA vs. DOT's stance on it.
As you mentioned, there's nothing in 1910.178 that specifically says who is responsible for it, but the OSHA regs do apply to employers, so that would mean if it's your forklift operators driving in/out of a trailer, then that requirement is your responsibility to fulfill.
• If it's a third-party delivery driver (which is what it sounds like), it would exclusively be the forklift operator (or your company's) responsibility since the wheel chocks are for the safety while loading/unloading - nothing to do with the trailer itself or the driver (for the most part). You could have an agreement/policy that the third-party drivers do it, but the responsibility ultimately falls on your company, so if the truck driver(s) don't do it, you're still the one getting cited by OSHA - not them.
• If the trucks are owned by your company and its your own company drivers, then that's an internal discussion as far as who specifically does it - just as long as it gets done.
As far as dock locks, federal OSHA recognizes those as an approved alternate to wheel chocks, but not all State Plans do, so if you fall under an OSHA-Approved State Plan, check your state regs to be sure they're compliant.
https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2011-03-07
I agree with the Drew's answer! As usual he did a GREAT job!
It is my understanding all OSHA really says is that the trailer must be secured to the Dock! Drew is right on about what 1910.178 not saying, it is in the "Letter" he references. There are three ways that a trailer must be secured to a dock:
#1 Chokes
#2 Dock Locks
#3 The tractor in place with Emergency Brakes set.
Some of my customers at least the ones with dock locks, require two of the three to be in place! I think that to be an excellent safety practice!
As to who secures the trailer. Most of the large companies I work for make it the over the road-driver responsible to ensure the trailer is secure to the dock! The PIT drivers are trained to not drive on to a trailer until they know the trailer is 100% secure, the floorboards of the trailer are in good shape, and the trailer has adequate lighting! My Corporation had a strict policy that if the tractor was not under the trailer Jack Stands must be under the toe of the trailer before a PIT drove on to the trailer! Those had to be in place or we did not drive on to the truck! There were signs all over the dock telling the over-the-road drivers of our policies and that their responsibility was that the trailer be safe!
All trucking companies are told our requirements. I have argued with many a over-the-road driver about who secured the trailer! I was always glad I am 6'4" as some of those drivers are big, but shorter! One guy charged up to me mad as heck. He yelled, "That trailer has been at your dock for 10 hours! Why isn't loaded? I am on a tight schedule and gotta go!"
I took him outside and showed him all the signs! I said, "And your company knows our policies! the trailer the red lights are on (meaning the locks were not in place) nor the chokes under the wheels! In addition the jack stands are not in place. You come see me when they are in place and we will load your truck. You have 10 minutes to come see me, or I want you off our propert