Dock leveler with increased traction

A method for increasing friction on a traction surface of a deck plate or a lip plate of a dock leveler, the method comprising:

• pre-treating the traction surface of the deck plate or the lip plate of the dock leveler, the traction surface having a first lower coefficient of friction;
• applying a coating to the traction surface of the deck plate or the lip plate of the dock leveler, wherein the coating is a thermosetting super durable polyester powder coating comprising friction-increasing particles, the friction-increasing particles being applied as a part of the powder coating to the dock leveler and being configured to increase friction of the traction surface of the deck plate or the lip plate;
• and
• curing the coating on the traction surface of the deck plate or the lip plate of the dock leveler to increase friction on the traction surface of the deck plate or the lip plate to a second higher coefficient of friction.