christopher Harper, Author at DJ Products

Handhold Design Can Improve Worker Efficiency

Most carts have handholds of one sort or another. Handles are such an ordinary part of everyday equipment that it’s easy to ignore their importance in efficient equipment use. But handholds are the link between the operator and the load. Handholds cue the operator on how much force to exert and where to apply it most effectively to move the load. Handhold placement and design on carts can increase or decrease the ease and efficiency with which a worker moves a load.

In evaluating the usefulness of a cart, consider these important elements of handhold design:

Handhold Height. Handhold height defines the operator’s posture, and posture determines the amount of force a person is able to generate when moving a cart. Given the difference in human size, no single handhold height will be optimal for all workers. Handholds that cause operators to bend or stoop can lead to musculoskeletal injuries. When handholds are located at the proper height for an individual’s body, he is able to exert maximum force without straining his body. An adjustable handhold system will accommodate workers of various sizes. Other solutions include a continuous vertical handhold system that can be grasped at any point along its length or a series of handholds at varying heights.
Handhold Width. Handholds should allow the operator to grip the cart near its outer edge to provide maximum leverage for turning and positioning. However it’s important that hands, fingers or arms not protrude beyond the side of the cart to prevent crushing injuries should the cart come in contact with a wall or other equipment.
Handhold Type. The type of handhold can dramatically affect the amount of force an operator is able to exert when maneuvering a cart. Poor coupling, the contact between hands and equipment, can decrease the force an operator can exert by 65%. Handhold shape should not concentrate pressure on any specific area of the hand. There should be no sharp edges or pronounced ridges. Both the palm of the hand and the fingers should be able to contact the handhold which should be wide enough to accommodate the entire hand.
Note: Pulling tasks require a handhold that can be gripped with the fingers wrapping around the handle. Pushing tasks need only a good surface that provides stable hand/equipment coupling.

Ergonomic Car Pusher = Savings for U.S. Auto Industry

As the already-battered U.S. auto industry struggles to keep its doors open during the growing economic recession, the financial and workforce value of ergonomic car pushers will become increasingly important. Doom and gloom seem to headline news about the auto industry.In a bid to prop up troubled domestic automakers, governors from six states heavily invested in the auto industry — Michigan, Ohio, Delaware, Kentucky, New York and South Dakota — petitioned the U.S. Treasury and Federal Reserve for help. “The auto industry; their network of suppliers, vendors, dealers and other businesses; and the communities that rely on those businesses face unimaginable challenges — challenges we urge you to help address,” the governors wrote.Over the past decade, U.S. automakers have been fighting a losing battle against tough competition from foreign car companies, particularly Honda and Toyota. Faltering automakers General Motors and Chrysler are talking merger in order to stay alive, though financing could present a major stumbling block. Although tens of thousands of jobs would be lost in a merger, industry experts agree that a merger is preferable to the even greater disaster that would occur should either company collapse.But automakers aren’t the only ones feeling the pinch. U.S. auto dealers are also struggling; and particularly in areas glutted with dealers, many are being forced to scale back or close their doors. Nationally, new car sales are down 13% from last year, with sales expected to continue dropping as people cut expenses and harbor their cash during the impending recession. The National Automobile Dealers Association has asked President Bush to consider issuing refundable consumer tax credits for new car and truck purchases or instituting a program that would entice consumers to upgrade their vehicles.The bottom line is that all players in the auto industry, from monster auto makers to small-town dealers, are going to have to make their operations leaner and meaner. Turning to ergonomically-designed, fuel-smart car pushers specifically designed for the automotive industry can reap significant savings. Ergonomically-designed car pushers are proven to reduce expensive musculoskeletal injuries and their attendant medical, insurance and workers compensation costs. And ergonomic equipment allows a single worker to accomplish a greater workload, increasing production efficiency and reducing personnel costs. Battery and electric-powered car pushers also saves big bucks in fuel and maintenance costs compared to diesel or gas-powered car pushers. Studies show that ergonomic equipment pays for itself in a single year. After that, it’s all gravy!To find out how an ergonomic car pusher can improve your bottom line, talk to the experts at DJ Products.

Finding the Silver Lining in a Stormy Economy

Despite the doom and gloom of news reports, there is a silver lining glinting through our stormy economy. The trick, says Dr. Chris Kuehl, economic analyst for the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International (FMA), is knowing where to look. In the FMA economic newsletter Fabrinomics, Kuehl reported finding three precious gems amidst the ashes that provide unique opportunities for savvy businessmen. Manufacturers and businessmen who make use of these three unexpected opportunities will position themselves to take maximum advantage of future opportunities as the economy recovers.

Commodities. Costs are dropping on some of manufacturing’s most used commodities. After posting historic highs, the price of oil has dropped more than $70 in the past three months. While diesel prices unfortunately haven’t dropped at the same pace, the price of gasoline has plummeted to less than half what it was last summer. Steel and copper prices are also sagging. “In fact, most commodities have slipped,” Kuehl notes, “which is good for businesses where these costs are the biggest considerations. Of course, lower input costs don’t help much if demand for the finished product is off, but it doesn’t hurt to get some cost relief when the recovery begins to surface.”
Labor. Unemployment has created a highly skilled, diverse and available labor pool. “The unemployment rise puts some talented people on the market,” Kuehl notes, “and that allows smaller companies to have access to people only larger companies were able to recruit in the past.” The strong labor pool provides an excellent opportunity for companies to improve their employee base and strengthen weak areas. Kuehl also notes that in a downturn people are more grateful for their jobs which can result in higher productivity.
Banking. The mortgage meltdown and resultant credit crunch has taken a heavy toll on America’s banks. The Feds have been forced to shutter a number of small local and regional banks and even the big boys are hurting. Those that survive will be looking for smart ways to re-engage with businesses and consumers. This is the time to strengthen your relationship with your banker. The economy will recover in time and an effective banking partner will allow you to update and expand to take advantage of future opportunities.

Ergonomics Opponents Girding for Battle

California Democratic Representative Hilda Solis was confirmed yesterday as President Obama’s Secretary of Labor by a Senate vote of 80-17. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is already said to be marshalling its forces. With a very pro-labor Solis at the helm, the chamber is anticipating a pitched battle over reinstatement — and probably toughening and expansion — of ergonomics laws instituted under Clinton but quickly wiped off the books by Bush.

Solis hails from California, the only state with ergonomics laws that have any bite to them — though Michigan is struggling to pass similar measures. California forces employers into compliance when workplace practices are found wanting. Business leaders and chamber executives fear that Solis will use the tough California model to craft national laws mandating ergonomic practices. Solis has been a persistent champion of labor rights and national ergonomics laws since her election to the U.S. House in 2001.

Solis can expect to have the President’s backing. On the campaign trail last year, Obama discussed the need to address musculoskeletal injuries, telling the Charlotte Observer that OSHA “must attack this problem with all of the tools at its disposal — regulations, enforcement, training and compliance assistance.” He is expected to reverse the Bush administration’s stance on national ergonomic standards.

The chamber considers national ergonomics standards to be “the mother of all regulations,” charging that they would cost businesses millions of dollars, which they call unconscionable at any time, but particularly given the current economy. In stumping against ergonomics regulations, the Chamber cites not only prohibitive expense, but suggests potential for substantial abuse. Opponents of ergonomics laws fear that businesses will be held legally liable for employee musculoskeletal and repetitive motion injuries that happen off the job.

“Let’s fact it: We all go through things in our lives as simple as bad sleeping habits or exercise or recreational activities that would cause our bodies to feel discomfort,” Mare Freedman, director of labor law policy for the chamber told Rob Hotakainen, a reporter with McClatchy Newspapers.

Supporters of national ergonomics laws cite rising health care costs and continuing workplace hazards that take a serious toll on U.S. workers as compelling reasons for instituting national ergonomics standards. Freedman said the chamber doesn’t dispute that providing a safe and healthy workplace is good business practice; however, the group thinks efforts should be voluntary, not mandated. Supporters of ergonomics, charge that many employers won’t act unless forced.

Congress Debates Increasing Fines for Worker Injury, Death

Congress is being urged to increase financial penalties for workplace injuries and deaths, according to congressional testimony reported by McClatchy Newspapers. In last week’s hearing before the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee, workers’ advocate groups squared off against industry safety experts to debate increasing penalties when employers don’t protect their workers against hazardous conditions.

Workers’ advocates pressured the federal government to drastically increase fines and implement possible criminal prosecution for senior executives when workers are killed or seriously injured on the job. “The thought process has to be, ‘If I keep doing this, and I keep letting this happen. … I could go to jail,'” David Uhlmann of the University of Michigan School of Law and a former U.S. Department of Justice official, told the House Committee.

Speaking for the opposing view, a workplace safety attorney who helps businesses figure out how to respond appropriately to U.S. labor laws, recommended more clearly defined labor safety laws and more stringent enforcement of existing penalties for employers who exhibit a “callous disregard” for workers’ safety. “There needs to be a balance,” Lawrence Halprin, a lawyer with Keller and Heckman, told the House Committee, noting that confusing labor regulations often contribute to the creation of workplace hazards.

Last week’s hearing was one more volley in the Congressional debate that is accompanying preparation of anticipated legislation to overhaul the 39-year-old Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). With the Obama administration’s apparent blessing, House Democrats are preparing to give OSHA a new and sharper set of teeth. New regulations being considered would dramatically increase employers’ penalties, increase business owners’ accountability and protect workers who speak out about workplace violations. OSHA penalties have not been updated since 1990, and financial penalties were never indexed to inflation. Current penalties for the injury or death of a worker often total just a few thousand dollars.

“Penalties must be meaningful,” said Rep. George Miller, a California Democrat and chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee. “They must function to deter violations. They must get people’s attention.”

However, some committee members are concerned that their Congressional peers may be unduly swayed by the many stories of personal tragedy that have peppered the hearings. Rep. Tom Price, a Georgia Republican, noting that workplace fatalities have declined since 1994, said, “Sometimes Congress gets emotional and draws the wrong conclusions and makes the wrong laws.” Time will tell what happens here, but you might want to weigh in with your Congressman and tell him how you feel.

Tough Times Call for Worker Morale Boost

The poor economy has been tough on American businesses, but it’s been tough on American workers too. Many employers are fighting low morale in their work forces as employees struggle with increased stress from financial worries on the job and at home. Poor morale negatively impacts production efficiency and product quality, decreases customer service, and can result in higher levels of workplace injury and absenteeism. Savvy businessmen will keep an eye on employee morale and address issues before they start to affect work quality.

The poor economy has created significant on the job stress for American workers. Many workers fear losing their jobs or being caught in the next round of layoffs. Even unpaid furloughs can cause significant financial strain. Those who still have jobs may not only suffer from survivor guilt when friends are laid off, but feel the pressure to pick up the slack from a reduced work force. With most companies cutting personnel to reduce costs, workers are being forced to accomplish more work with fewer people. Hiring freezes, loss of bonuses, reduced health care benefits and other measures necessary to keep businesses operating put further financial pressure on workers and have a demoralizing effect on a workforce that already feels over-burdened. Add in financial worries at home — mortgage payments, fear of foreclosure, high credit card bills, rising medical costs, high food and gas costs — and it can be tough for workers to fully focus on the job and stay motivated.

Business owners may have to step in and give workers a morale boost to help them get through these tough economic times. Here are some things business owners can do to boost morale and make workers feel needed and appreciated:

Personal touch. Make an effort to know your employees individually. Let them know you care about their lives, families and goals. In large operations, shift or line managers may fill this role; but anytime the owner recognizes employees personally, it boosts morale.
Roll up your sleeves. Whenever you can, roll up your sleeves and work along side your employees. Employees appreciate a boss who doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty and is willing to share the load.
Make it personal. Spend more time communicating face-to-face and less time communicating via email, phone and memorandums. Taking the time to make communication personal shows you value your employees as individuals.
Empower. Ask your employees for input and suggestions. Showing you value their opinions allows employees to feel they have a personal stake in the company.
Share your vision. Share your ideas and dreams for the business with your employees. Let them know you understand their concerns and are working toward a brighter future for all of you.

Recession Over but We’re Not Out of Woods Yet

Today’s headline blared: “Recession officially ends, with trepidation.” Ain’t that the truth! In officially declaring the recession over, the U.S. Commerce Department cited a 3.5% growth in the economy. Encouraging, certainly. Something to cheer about? Apparently Wall Street thought so as the Dow Jones Industrial average shot up nearly 200 points. But the guy or gal on the street? Maybe not so much. The effect seems more psychological than actual. Economists caution that much of the 3.5% increase in gross domestic product was fueled by the government’s Cash for Clunkers program and first-time homebuyers tax credit. Whether those programs have created an unnatural spike in economic growth that can’t be maintained or the economy really is finally throwing off the chill of recession, only time will tell. But until unemployment decreases, most analysts agree we’re not out of the woods yet.

Getting people back to work is the real challenge now. People aren’t going to start buying again — the necessary trigger for real economic improvement — until they have jobs and can stop worrying about keeping food on the table and a roof over their heads. And the jobs won’t be there until American businesses feel comfortable financially. A bit of a vicious circle: consumer purchasing fuels businesses which fuel jobs. Traditionally, small businesses provide the greatest potential for U.S. job growth; so it was interesting to read the results of the American Express OPEN Small Business Monitor bi-annual survey in Manufacturing & Technology eJournal.

Here are some of the survey highlights:

51% of manufacturers have a positive outlook, about the same as last year (52%)
61% are experiencing serious cash flow difficulties, compared to 47% a year ago
only 22% plan to hire additional employees, down from 30% six months ago
only 36% are planning capital investments, down from 59% in 2008
68% think U.S. economic woes are far from over

DJ Products would like to know what you think and how your business is coping with the recession.

Getting the Job Done

A study from commercial insurer CNA that examined the risks associated with working in the food processing industry found that “the types of incidents most likely to cause worker injuries are manual material handling and physical stress; struck by and struck against; and falls on the same level.” The report also noted that while the industry has increased its use of power movers, there was still a reliance on manual transport that lead to injuries that may have been prevented.

As the reports also states, “Profitability in the food processing industry depends on the rapid production of final product and its timely shipment to customers. The continuous rapid movement of large amounts of raw materials and finished products throughout the production cycle exposes workers to injuries resulting from contact with moving objects.”

We know that you cannot afford to slow down operations. We also know that you would like to avoid costly worker compensations claims and the loss of productivity and morale that go along with those claims. So, try using a DJ Products powered mover, like the CartCaddyShorty for example.

The CartCaddyShorty can be used to transport a variety of heavy loads, including things like large quantities of cold cuts or a cart full of cookie dough. This small, but powerful tugger is one the most maneuverable tugs you’ll find today.

While you can continue to allow your employees to push heavy carts because they are ‘getting the job done,’ consider that ergonomically designed equipment will still help them complete their tasks with the added benefit of preventing strains and sprains that can harm your staff and your financial outlook.

Moving a Plane Can Be a Solo Mission with an Aircraft Tug

Do you fly planes as a hobby or does your workplace make use of small aircraft on a regular basis? Before you can begin to fly high, you often need to transport your aircraft to the right place on the ground, but you are not likely to fly the plane to where it needs to be. This is where an aircraft tug or helicopter tug from DJ products can be very useful. We specialize in battery powered tug and tugger solutions that eliminate the strain of manually pulling and pushing heavy equipment, including aircraft.

Now, you may be thinking, that’s great, but how can one person push or pull an aircraft? Well, with an ergonomic material handling solution from DJ Products, you can. Our aircraft tug can easily push or pull an airplane that weighs up to 35,000 pounds, while our helicopter tug can push, pull, or tow a helicopter that weighs up to 15,000 pounds. Watch this video to see how one person can use the DJ Products AirCraftCaddy to push and pull an aircraft without assistance from another person.

Like all of our material handling solutions, our aircraft tugs are designed with maneuverability, ergonomics, affordability, and productivity in mind. You can move an airplane through a hangar and even past other aircraft without worrying about losing control of the plane. You also need not be concerned that you will put strain and stress on your muscles. Our aircraft tugs are available at affordable prices as well, so you don’t have to worry about the strain on your budget.

A Shopping Cart Retriever Can Make Holiday Shoppers Happier

It seems as if the holiday shopping season begins earlier each year so it is never too soon to make sure that you and your employees are ready to accommodate your eager but possibly stressed out customers. One thing to have at the ready is a DJ Products Shopping Cart Retriever, a labor-saving device for gathering and recycling carts from your parking lot.

Locating carts: On especially busy days, people become frustrated if they cannot find a shopping cart because all are taken. It is likely that there is one available but if it hasn’t been rounded up and returned to the store yet, you could potentially lose out on valuable sales.

Loss Prevention: Shopping carts cost money and anything that disappears from your property—be it merchandise or a shopping cart— affects your bottom line. Some people will take carts on purpose, while others may just forget to return a cart (like a Pennsylvania man who intended to steal a computer but ended up being arrested for stealing a shopping cart instead.) Bringing carts back into the store quickly minimize theft.

Safety: Whether the ground is bare or covered in snow and ice, stray carts can make a parking lot less safe: the wind can blow a cart into a person or into a car; someone who isn’t paying attention may back into a cart; an abandoned cart can block a parking spot and cause confusion. Plus, the faster an employee can gather the carts, the better. Instead of having employees outside in all kinds of weather dodging cars to retrieve and corral carts, they can use a cart retriever to steer a line of up to fifty shopping carts back into your store.