Episode 568: Advancing dock safety with GMR Safety’s Power Chock
In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin welcomes Pascal Jetté, VP of Business Development at GMR Safety. They discuss the company’s latest innovations and how they are reshaping dock safety. Pascal shares insights into GMR’s approach to preventing accidents, the evolution of dock safety technologies, and the company’s commitment to providing solutions that work 100% of the time.
Transforming Dock Safety with the Power Chock
One of GMR Safety’s standout innovations is the Power Chock. A patented dock safety system designed to prevent accidents caused by truck movement. Unlike traditional restraints that rely on the ICC bar, the Power Chock works across all vehicle types, including straight trucks used for home deliveries.
“We have a solution that provides 100% safety,” Pascal explains. “When you have hundreds of loading docks, you don’t have time to micromanage every single one. Our system ensures every dock is secured every single time.”
The Power Chock not only physically restrains the truck but also integrates with dock control systems to prevent operations from proceeding unless safety measures are in place. This guarantees that drivers cannot inadvertently pull away while employees are still inside the trailer, eliminating a common cause of warehouse accidents.
The Evolution of Dock Safety: Introducing the Power Chock Auto
Recognizing the industry’s need for automation, GMR Safety has developed the Power Chock Auto, an automated version of their flagship product. “Some customers wanted to ensure their safety process could be controlled from the inside, so we developed an automated version that maintains the same level of security,” Pascal shares.
The Power Chock Auto eliminates human error by automating the chocking process, ensuring the restraint is always engaged before loading begins. This is particularly beneficial for operations handling high volumes, where standardizing safety procedures can be challenging.
Additionally, GMR has enhanced the Power Chock’s physical design by increasing its height to 23 inches, making it nearly impossible for a truck to bypass. “Our Power Chock is a beast. It provides the best restraining force on the market,” Pascal states.
The Importance of Standardizing Dock Safety Across Industries
Many companies struggle with inconsistent dock safety procedures, relying on multiple safety solutions that may not be foolproof. GMR Safety’s approach eliminates the need for multiple safety redundancies by offering a single, reliable solution.
“Other systems work 80-90% of the time, but that’s not enough when safety is on the line,” Pascal emphasizes. “With our system, there’s no question—it works every time, at every dock, no exceptions.”
By implementing the Power Chock, companies simplify their safety processes, eliminate the risk of human error and ensure compliance with best practices. The system’s intuitive design ensures employees follow safety protocols without additional training or oversight.
Key Takeaways
- 100% Dock Safety: GMR Safety’s Power Chock eliminates the possibility of premature truck departure, ensuring a fully secured dock before loading begins.
- Automation with Power Chock Auto: The automated version of the Power Chock allows safety operations to be controlled internally, minimizing human error.
- Enhanced Design for Maximum Security: The new 23-inch-high Power Chock prevents trucks from bypassing the system, providing industry-leading restraint force.
- Industry Standardization: Major companies have adopted the Power Chock to create uniform safety protocols across their warehouses, eliminating variability in dock security.
Proven Reliability: Unlike other solutions that may work 80-90% of the time, GMR’s technology guarantees safety for every truck, every time.
