christopher Harper, Author at DJ Products

More Warehouse Robots Added at Walmart and Amazon But Not at a Human Cost – Yet

The move toward automation is affecting the retail industry, but is it a threat to employees yet? Retail giants Amazon and Walmart are adding warehouse robots to handle different tasks. While this might seem like a concern for employees, they can still count on being able to do their jobs using warehouse equipment for now.

Amazon Robots

Amazon first made the company’s interest in robotics known in 2012 with the purchase of Kiva Systems. Since that time, Amazon has set up cashierless stores and put robots to work moving items around inside its warehouses. These robots have allowed Amazon to store more inventory and handle customer orders at a quicker pace. This has led to shorter delivery times, making customers happier overall.

Walmart Robots

Walmart also uses robots in warehouses to take care of some tasks and plans to add more. Newer robots will be moving groceries around warehouses at a grocery distribution center in California in 2020, and a New Hampshire location will have automated carts available for moving items that are part of online grocery orders.

Other plans for robots at Walmart include an unloading system that removes items from trucks and sorts them while bringing them to warehouse shelves.

Effects of Robots on Jobs

Adding automation to warehouses is expected to create some jobs, but it could also lead to job losses for some warehouse workers over time. While warehouse workers don’t have to worry about losing their jobs to robots just yet, they should keep an eye on automation news.

If you need warehouse equipment to keep your business running smoothly, visit DJ Products. We have a wide selection of this equipment available to help your employees handle warehouse tasks more efficiently.

How to Encourage a Culture of Safety in Your Warehouse in 2019

Encourage a Culture of Safety

Keeping your warehouse safe is always at the top of your mind. Maybe you’ve just gone through dealing with an employee accident, or perhaps you want to prevent it from happening at all. Either way, we have some helpful tips that can make it a lot easier.

Cultivating a Culture of Safety

Your team will only take safety seriously if you do. You need to be their leader because if it’s important to you, they will make it important to them. This is just the beginning of creating a culture of safety in your workplace. There is more that can be done as well.

Employing Observational Safety

Even though safety is really important, trying to convey this to your entire group of employees might not be effective. It’s usually best to start by training a smaller group to observe the practices of the warehouse. They can be your eyes and ears, and if something isn’t right, they can bring it to your attention, or even correct it right then and there.

Opting for Tugger Carts and Other Equipment to Enhance Safety

If you do begin to utilize observational safety practices, you may notice that many of your employees are struggling as they work. A lot of warehouses don’t have the proper equipment to allow their workers to do their jobs and avoid injuries. At DJ Products, we see this all the time, which is why we want to help.

We specialize in tugger carts, dumpster movers and trailer caddys to assist businesses like yours in keeping their workers safe from injuries. If you haven’t considered equipment like this before now, we would love to talk with you about its benefits. Please contact us right away for help.

Why to Invest in a TrailerCaddy for Your Trailer Loading Operation

The TrailerCaddy from DJ Products is just the solution for moving trailers quickly and safely. Operations at the loading dock can be inefficient and unsafe if the wrong equipment is used and loading/unloading is performed by untrained or unprepared individuals. Our electric trailer mover allows your loading dock to be self-sufficient. It is always available to move semi-trailers in and out of the area.

Here are some of the reasons you should consider investing in a TrailerCaddy:

Power movers are available on-demand: There’s no need to wait for a trailer shunting service or a CDL-licensed driver and handler. Your crew can spring to action as soon as a shipment arrives. Whenever trailers need to be moved or orders fulfilled, TrailerCaddy is ready. You save on wasted time and costs of outside services.

Accessibility is improved: A high-end trailer dolly can move trailers that weigh up to 100,000 pounds. Entry models can move 10,000 pounds while 20,000- and 50,000-pound-rated units are also available. Each power dolly has a tight turn radius, making it highly maneuverable. Operators can navigate narrow aisles and avoid hitting equipment, goods, and walls.

Costs are reduced: Traditional terminal tractors and spotter trucks are expensive, as is hiring an outside contractor to manage their delivery and operation. Our trailer movers are a quarter the cost of such equipment, saving your warehouse operation money.

TrailerCaddy is run on batteries: No expensive fuel is needed, and there’s no downtime due to empty fuel tanks and refueling. These battery-powered machines have long run times, so they don’t need to be charged often. Plus, they plug in a standard 110v outlet, kept on standby and implemented whenever needed.

Safety is improved: The power caddies have speed control for safer navigation. Operators also face forward, making navigation easier and enabling them to communicate with their crew members. A trailer dolly is also more stable than a conventional forklift, and it does not require special training or licensing to operate.

Fewer hazards to workers: Injuries are less likely while operating a TrailerCaddy, while the possibility of accidents is lower. This reduces the expenses related to time out of work and potential injury lawsuits. Workers in confined areas are less at risk while using the caddy; this equipment also requires less maintenance, further limiting the risk.

Find Power Dolly Solutions from DJ Products

Warehouse managers and warehouse logistics professionals can now run their facilities and trailer lots more efficiently, thanks to the many benefits of battery operated, easy-to-operate trailer dollies.

Each caddy has a built-in battery system, hydraulics, and caddy brackets. A selection of models is available, ranging from a motorized trailer puller for moving small boats and campers to more heavy-duty models able to move heavy generators, highway equipment, semi-trailers, and more. To learn more about our products—including the TrailerCaddy—and Terminal Tractor or to discuss the best electric trailer dolly for your business, call us at 800-686-2651, submit a request for more information online, or schedule a free onsite demo today.

Dock Damage: Causes and Remedies

Loading docks are dangerous places if they’re not managed properly. Dock damage can occur in an instant and can all but force operations to cease, but it can be prevented. A trailer mover from DJ Products affords a means to streamline your process and avoid hazards that lead to damage to your facility.

Mistakes at the loading dock can lead to all sorts of damage and problems, such as:

Damaged trailers
Broken equipment
Building damage
Ruined goods
Injuries
Deaths

According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, there are 85 forklift-related fatalities each year, and 34,900 people are seriously injured by one every year—42% of fatalities are due to crush injuries from tipping vehicles.¹Falling cargo and freight is another hazard that causes many injuries.

Causes of Dock Damage

The leading causes of dock-related damage and injuries include:

Equipment: Improper use of forklifts, pallet jacks, and other equipment often leads to damage. Crews may be in a hurry or not have the proper experience and training. Forklifts are notoriously unstable under heavy loads and moving too quickly can cause a trailer to be rammed into something or dropped. The damage may be immediately evident or repeated abuse may take a toll over time.

Handling: Equipment drivers are often under pressure to get the job done. Working too quickly can have dangerous consequences even if a worker is well-trained. Equipment operators must always use good judgment to ensure the safety of people and their facility. Accidents may also be caused by operating the wrong equipment for the items being handled.

Communication: Even with loads properly restrained and the proper equipment used, all hands must communicate to ensure they’re on the same page. Light signals help but are not enough. You need verbal and physical communication to guide vehicles and loads, as well as warn of potential safety issues.

How to Remedy Dock Damage

Attention to safety and communication and using the right equipment can avoid problems at the loading dock. The equipment you use can also make a big difference when it comes to protecting your workers and facility. For example, a trailer caddy from DJ Products is highly maneuverable and available in models that can transport up to 100,000 pounds. Such an electric trailer mover can handle semi-trailers, ocean shipping containers, and other large objects.

The Yard Dog is a TrailerCaddy Terminal Tractor that can move heavy loads, and which is battery operated. Like other electric trailer caddy models, it can be charged up and is ready to go at any time. It also provides forward facing operation. The operator can, therefore, precisely control the machine and has an unobstructed view, improving safety. Speed control also reduces the risk of dock damage.

A TrailerCaddy requires no training to operate. You easily can get your employees up to speed on properly using the equipment. There’s no need to depend on outside trailer-moving services either, which can create issues caused by unreliable, untimely contractors.

To reduce your chances of dock damage, order a trailer mover from DJ Products or give us a call today.

Source:

https://ohsonline.com/Articles/2013/09/01/Death-by-Forklift-is-Really-the-PITs.aspx

Forbes Predicts a Major Consolidation of Shipping Companies in 2019

Pros and Cons of Shipping Business Consolidation

Shipping companies are expected to form alliances in order to provide high-quality services to their customers in 2019. In addition to these alliances, investing in terminal tractors and other products can help these companies improve productivity and raise morale among their employees. Taking these steps can guarantee being able to provide superior service.

Logistics and Shipping Changes

Logistics companies and shipping consolidation have led to fewer carrier options for shipping companies. This drop in available carriers can make it difficult for shipping companies to ensure that they are able to keep products moving on schedule and get the quality they are looking for. This is especially true for independent shipping companies compared to much larger ones.

Some shipping companies have decided to form alliances, so they can do business with carriers that they can depend on. Making this move will help these companies protect their business.

Pros and Cons of Consolidation

Is consolidation a positive or negative change for shipping companies in general?

Consolidating has pros and cons that shipping companies should take into consideration. These alliances allow shipping companies to thrive and stay on schedule overall. However, shipping companies might find that rates end up increasing due to a lower amount of competition in the market. These rate increases could have a negative impact on shipping companies.

With alliance formations expected to continue this year, it’s important for independent shipping companies to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of consolidating before making any decisions on whether or not to go through with it.

If you need more information on terminal tractors for your warehouse, contact DJ Products. These products can help improve working conditions for your employees, which boosts productivity and saves on time.

OSHA’s Most Cited Safety Issues for 2018

Don’t Be These Guys in the Workplace – Horsing Around Isn’t Funny nor Smart for your Health.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was created to establish and enforce standardized safety and health regulations across private sector companies. Each year OSHA issues a list of the most-cited violations involving misuse of warehouse equipment and other unsafe practices.

For the last two years, the top five categories have remained the same. Here are OSHA’s most-cited violations for 2018.

1. Fall Protection

Fall protection, which is intended to protect employees working on a surface with an unprotected side greater than six feet, has been the top category eight years in a row. Cited violations include lack of guardrail or safety net systems.

2. Hazard Communication

Hazard communication involves notifying and training employees regarding chemicals produced or imported in the workplace. Cited violations include maintaining a written hazardous communication program along with printed and accessible copies of Safety Data Sheets.

3. Scaffolding

Companies are required to protect workers both on and around scaffolding at a height of 10 feet or more. Cited violations include supporting scaffold posts, legs, poles and frames on a suitably firm foundation.

4. Respiratory Protection

OSHA provides specific guidelines for establishing and administering a respiratory protection program. Cited violations include ensuring that tight-fitting facepiece respirators are fit-tested prior to use and workers receive medical evaluations to determine their ability to use respirators.

5. Lockout/Tagout

Lockout/tagout refers to the process of controlling electricity or other energy sources during servicing of warehouse equipment. Cited violations include periodic inspections of lockout/tagout procedures and training employees in the necessary knowledge and skills.

Commit to Workplace Safety with Warehouse Equipment from DJ Products

Our battery-powered tugs, movers and pushers are ergonomically designed to prevent common repetitive-motion injuries. Visit our website for more information about the safety features of our industrial carts.

New Military Bomb Designs are Evaluated for 2019

Be Prepared For Every Outcome. Safety is Key.

Being able to remove suspected bombs or other explosive devices from airports and other places as safely as possible is crucial. Having a bomb caddy on site provides a safe and effective way to accomplish this. If you work in an environment that faces these types of potential threats, staying updated on the latest munitions news can be helpful. Learn more about recent Air Force news about lethal munitions.

Researchers Call for New Bomb Designs

Air Force researchers have been discussing the need for new and improved munitions for modern battlefields. Being able to face potential adversaries in a war, such as China or Russia, means that the Air Force needs to have munitions that are more powerful and provide better precision.

Up-to-date design features would give our forces the advantage if a war broke out with another nation that has advanced weaponry. Researchers have stated that the Air Force is working on maximizing the effects of new munitions rather than minimizing them, which was one strategy of the past.

Peer-Level Threats

The Air Force researchers who are calling for newer designs are concerned about ensuring that the U.S. is ready to handle peer-level or near peer-level threats in terms of power and weaponry. This means making sure that the Air Force has the most updated munitions designs possible. Researchers are expected to continue pushing for this to happen and have begun looking into newer designs this year.

If you are looking into getting a bomb caddy, visit DJ Products. These products are designed to safely carry bombs or other explosive devices, as well as other kinds of items in public spaces.

Five Important Trends for 2019 in Logistics – Part One

All the major economic shifts and advances in technology are impacting the transportation and logistics industry. Everyone hears about eCommerce, the blockchain, augmented reality – but in logistics, these buzzwords are already impacting our bottom lines. Let’s dive into the logistics trends for 2019 to anticipate and stay ahead of the game.

How are Trends Changing and How Can Your Business Adapt?

Machine-driven processes may have the most direct and immediate impact. From robotic picking to new semi trailer movers that tow freight around the yard, any warehouse can benefit from upgrading its material handling equipment.

Accounting and consulting firm PwC recently released Transport and Logistics Trends 2019.

Logistics and the Economy, 2019

First, let’s consider some of the market forces at play:

– Mergers and acquisitions: 38 percent of CEOs are planning an M&A event in the next year. Would consolidation improve your efficiency? Is a competitor about to get much larger?

– International trade deals and trade wars: Are you ready to pivot when the next political move results in shifting trade routes and priorities?

– Rail traffic and trucking shortages: Logistics firms expect the pressure on freight transport to continue. Can you improve warehouse efficiency to mitigate high delivery costs?

All this drama takes place against a backdrop of a strong economy and optimistic forecasts. Money is being made, and the stakes are high. Smaller firms need to stay agile and invest in improvements to come out on top rather than getting eaten up by the behemoths.

The Next Big Thing in Logistics

In Part Two, we’ll look at software and technology trends in logistics. From augmented reality warehouses to automated material handling and semi trailer movers, 2019 will see plenty of changes on the ground and in the cloud. Contact us at DJ Products for more info about trailer movers.

Five Important Trends for 2019 in Logistics – Part Two

Technology Should Make Working Easier. That is the Future. A more Efficient Workplace.

How should logistics use blockchain? Can technology help businesses make up for a shortage of skilled labor? These are some of the burning questions for logistics in 2019. We’re in a strong business climate, but forecasters like PwC say that two-thirds of T&L CEOs expect technology and other factors to substantially disrupt their business.

Now let’s look at how companies will be using technology to change the game. Yard trucks and other material handling equipment are helping workers of all skill levels. On the digital side, we’re seeing a new generation of logistics tools that use blockchain, Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence.

The Machines Are Taking Over…

While the media likes to cover automation that eliminates jobs, most warehouses are using robotics and smart equipment to empower their employees. In 2019, logistics technology is helping businesses make up for the skill gap.

Trends for more efficient logistics include resources such as:

– Predictive AI for inventory, scheduling, deliveries, etc.

– Blockchain and distributed ledgers for security in the supply chain

– Augmented reality (AR) to design an efficient warehouse, find items quickly, scan for shipping, etc.

But We Still Need Tools for Warehouse Workers

Various forms of electro-mobility are empowering businesses to get more productivity and efficiency out of warehouse workers.

Look at the electric yard trucks from DJ Products for an example. You don’t need to waste a CDL driver by asking them to move trailers around the dock or freight yard. Now, any dock worker can shift a semi-trailer using an easy tow dolly. It’s fast, precise, and less expensive than a shunt truck to own and operate.

Follow the DJ Products blog for logistics industry news, and call 800.686.2651 for more info about our yard trucks and material handling equipment.

Warehouse Tips: Special Considerations for Warehouse Shift Worker Safety

Always Enforce Safety Rules – It Might Just Save a Life!

While material handling equipment can handle the demands of being on duty 24/7, warehouse workers rely on shifts to accommodate round-the-clock staffing needs. While nearly 15 million Americans are employed on shifts, night or long-term shift work can result in health and safety risks.

Happy and healthy workers improve job productivity and employee retention rates. Protect your staff with these helpful tips for managing shift work.

Tips for Managing Warehouse Shift Work

Shift work, especially for employees on rotating or night shifts, interferes with the body’s circadian rhythms, which form the internal clock that governs wakefulness. Disrupted sleep patterns can lead to emotional, metabolic and cardiovascular problems as well as greater risk of workplace errors and injuries.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that employers incorporate these procedures for shift workers:

– Schedule workers for a minimum of 10 consecutive off-duty hours each day so they can get seven to eight hours of sleep.

– In addition to regular meal breaks, provide short breaks every one to two hours for particularly demanding jobs.

– Limit shifts to no more than 10 hours wherever possible.

– Provide workers with education and resources about shift work.

Here are steps that shift workers can take individually to control fatigue:

– Take a walk before the start of the shift, preferably outdoors in daylight.

– Limit consumption of caffeinated beverages such as coffee and cola to the first half of the shift to avoid sleep problems.

– Take frequent mini-breaks to move around and keep muscles loose.

Combat Shift Work Fatigue with Material Handling Equipment from DJ Products

Our battery-powered material handling equipment is easy to use and designed to prevent common musculoskeletal injuries. Contact us to find the right tug, mover or pusher for your applications.

Author: christopher Harper