Protecting workers is not just a regulatory requirement: it’s a moral and operational imperative. Yet, across Europe, workplace accidents remain a persistent issue, particularly in the logistics sector, which consistently ranks among the most hazardous. According to Eurostat, over 3,200 fatal workplace accidents were recorded in the EU in 2022, with a significant proportion involving roles in transport, warehousing, and goods handling[i].
In UK, the figures are equally troubling. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the fatal injury rate in transport and storage is more than twice the average across all industries: 0.85 deaths per 100,000 workers, compared to 0.38 in other sectors[ii].
One of the most dangerous areas within logistics operations is the loading bay. These zones are responsible for nearly a quarter of all warehouse-related accidents, with over 600 serious incidents narrowly avoided each year. The most common causes? Early trailer departures and vehicle creep during loading or unloading events that can lead to severe injuries or fatalities within seconds[iii].
Despite well-publicised risks and sustained awareness efforts by organisations like the HSE, some companies continue to hesitate when it comes to investing in vehicle restraint systems. These systems are specifically designed to lock trailers in place during operations, yet they are sometimes perceived as a non-essential cost, particularly by operators who have not yet experienced a serious incident.
This short-term thinking can come at a high price. Companies that have adopted vehicle restraint systems report substantial, measurable benefits beyond preventing accidents. These include reduced legal and financial liabilities in the event of an incident, improved site-wide efficiency, as safety protocols are streamlined, lower insurance premiums, and enhanced employee confidence and retention.
In today’s operations, where safety, performance, and reputation are tightly interlinked, vehicle restraint systems are not just protective devices, they are a smart long-term investment.
Technology Innovations
Across Europe, the most common vehicle restraint systems fall into two main categories: glad hand locks and wheel-based restraints.
Glad hand locks, also known as brake line locks, work by blocking the trailer’s pneumatic connection, preventing the tractor from reconnecting while keeping the braking system engaged. However, their effectiveness is limited. These devices are only compatible with semi-trailers, require the vehicle to be uncoupled, and offer no protection against trailer creep or incidents caused by sloped, icy, or snowy loading areas. Key management can also drive-up operational costs, particularly in the event of loss or breakage, and some connections may be difficult to access due to height. While commonly used, glad hand locks alone do not offer a comprehensive safety solution at the loading bay.
Wheel-based restraint systems, such as arm-style locks or more advanced wheel chocks, generally provide more reliable immobilisation — regardless of vehicle type. That said, even arm-based systems can have structural weaknesses. During an unexpected departure or trailer creep, the pressure exerted on the restraint arm can bend or break it.
To address these limitations, GMR Safety developed the Power Chock®, a high-tensile steel wheel chock combined with a ground-fixed restraining plate, designed to deliver unrivalled safety. Unlike arm-based systems, which may fail under pressure, Power Chock redirects the vehicle’s forward force through the tyre and transfers it to an anchored ground plate. This design offers a retention capacity with a lifespan often exceeding 15 years.
The system is also backed by a unique 5-year warranty, providing long-term reliability and peace of mind. For companies that prioritise dock safety and operational efficiency, the Power Chock stands out as a market-leading solution, offering one of the best price-performance ratios available today.
A Trusted Partnership with ID Logistics
ID Logistics operates high-performance distribution platforms in more than 18 countries. For the group, which serves critical sectors such as food and retail, operational safety is inseparable from overall performance.
With this in mind, ID Logistics selected GMR Safety and its Power Chock system to enhance loading bay safety. “The loading bay is a high-risk zone, where multiple flows and interactions converge between personnel and operations. Power Chock provides a simple yet extremely effective response to this critical risk,” explains Thierry Daux, Group Safety Director at ID Logistics.
The system was initially trialled across several pilot sites before being rolled out more widely across the network. Because of its robustness, reliability, and seamless integration into existing workflows, Power Chock quickly became the company-wide standard. “What we particularly appreciated was how well the solution aligned with our safety culture. It integrates easily into forklift operator protocols, is highly visible, intuitive, and significantly reduces the risk of unplanned trailer departures,” adds Daux.
Beyond the product’s effectiveness, Thierry Daux also praised the support provided by the GMR Safety team: “We found a partner who could adapt their approach to suit our operational constraints. That made all the difference.”
Today, ID Logistics continues to deploy Power Chock® across its strategic platforms internationally.
Let Us Help You
Looking to adopt proven practices and equip your operations with safety solutions that are reliable, long-lasting, and innovative?
Get in touch with our team — a GMR Safety expert will guide you to a tailored solution, designed to meet your operational challenges.
____