christopher Harper, Author at DJ Products

Tips for Preventing Injuries in the Workplace – Look at the Trash Room First

Trash Room Injuries

Do you associate workplace injuries with assembly lines and other complex equipment? You might be surprised to learn that many of them occur in the relatively quiet trash room.

According to data from the Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index, these five injuries account for nearly 75 percent of the overall cost burden:

1. Overexertion

The top category includes injuries caused by pushing, pulling and other activities that cause undue stress on muscles and joints. Manually transporting dumpsters weighing hundreds or thousands of pounds can easily result in these types of injuries.

2. Falling

Employees are vulnerable to falling while moving dumpsters up and down inclines or across treacherous surfaces such as snow and ice.

3. Bodily Reaction

This category includes injuries such as getting fingers and hands caught in dumpster lids or stumbling and banging your head against the side.

4. Falling to a Lower Level

While technically this doesn’t usually apply to trash rooms, an employee can become seriously injured by a fall incurred by climbing into a dumpster.

5. Struck by Object

Unwieldy dumpsters can quickly get away from employees, striking them or causing them to be pinned against a wall or other obstacle.

Safeguard Employees with a Dumpster Mover from DJ Products

A dumpster mover like the WasteCaddyLite, our most popular product, eliminates many of the risk factors for these common injuries.

A single employee can transport dumpsters weighing up to 2,000 pounds.

Dumpster movers travel securely on inclines as well as rough or slippery surfaces.

Our movers are ergonomically designed to prevent repetitive motion injuries.

Call 800.686.2651 to learn more about our full line of movers.

Tips for Improving Warehouse Productivity the Low Tech Way

Improving Productivity

Technology has made its way into nearly every part of our personal and professional lives. In warehouse inventory management, solutions ranging from barcodes and scanners to industrial powered carts improve accuracy and efficiency.

This doesn’t mean that old school methods have no place in today’s warehouses. Here are some tried-and-true ideas to boost overall productivity.

Four Low-Tech Tips for High Productivity

Clean house. Daily operations cause disarray to every warehouse, no matter how organized it is to start. Walk the floor regularly to spot and correct any potential risk areas such as poor shelf placement of high-velocity items.

Implement cycle counts. Once-a-year inventories are a must, but they allow too much time for small problems to snowball into serious ones. Conducting cycle counts lets you correct discrepancies before they get out of hand.

Have a clearly defined receiving area. Receiving errors are like dominoes that trigger a ripple effect through the entire chain. Make sure your receiving team has plenty of space and all the necessary tools to work accurately.

Plan clean-up time. If your employees start the day in a messy workplace, their attitude and actions will quickly follow suit. Specify a cutoff time for processing orders and have employees use the rest of the day to clean up. With everything in place, they can start off strong each day.

Reduce Injury Risk with Industrial Powered Carts from DJ Products

Workplace injuries are a major drain on productivity. Industrial powered carts such as our popular CartCaddy5WP are ergonomically designed to allow a single employee to safely move loads of up to 10,000 pounds. Visit our website for more information.

OSHA Weigh In on Push and Pull Injuries

Risks of Pushing and Pulling

Have you ever thought about how many activities in your workplace involve pushing and pulling? They can range from minor actions like opening and closing doors to labor-intensive jobs such as moving boxes, pallets and equipment.

Here’s what the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has to say about the safety risk of pushing and pulling.

Dangers of Pushing and Pulling

The full extent of pushing and pulling injuries is difficult to quantify. Overexertion is the most predominant cause, resulting in a variety of musculoskeletal injuries ranging from muscle strain to sprained joints.

In addition to overexertion injuries, a number of ailments are an indirect result of pushing and pulling. For example, an employee could slip and fall or get hands and feet caught on or between objects.

How Can You Reduce Injury Risk?

It’s just as tough to determine specific guidelines for the amount of force that can be safely exerted when pushing or pulling. These activities involve several complex factors that make it hard to calculate standard answers.

CCOHS points out three elements that add risk to any pushing and pulling actions:

Having hands above shoulder level or below waist level

Exerting force for more than five seconds

Exerting force at an angle

Protect Employees with a Dumpster Pusher from DJ Products

Whether your company is located in Canada or the United States, it faces the same set of safety challenges. Our popular WasteCaddyLite dumpster pusher reduces the risk involved in moving one of the heaviest objects in your workplace.

We welcome inquiries from throughout the United States and Canada. Call 800.686.2651 for more information.

What are Some of the Ergonomic Risk Factors in Industrial Settings?

Ergonomic Risk Factors

Warehouses and other other industrial workplaces that involve primarily physical labor often suffer periods of low productivity due to employee injuries. Lessen this risk by creating a workplace that better accommodates your employees’ capabilities, a process known as ergonomics.

Common Injury-Prone Workplace Activities

When designing the layout and flow of your workplace, here are three main areas that should be addressed:

Repetitive Tasks

A number of industrial jobs include repetitive tasks that are governed by the work process and production goals. These movements, which can be accompanied by awkward postures, cause undue stress on muscles, ligaments and joints. The result is repetitive motion injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, that may become chronic if not treated successfully.

Excessive Force

Moving heavy loads is a common factor behind many workplace injuries. Employees may develop muscle fatigue trying to lift too much weight, lifting frequently or lifting using poor form. Shifting the burden to battery-powered industrial tugs greatly reduces the risk of lifting injuries.

Awkward Postures

Lack of appropriate ergonomic design can force employees to perform tasks using awkward postures that overload muscles and push joints beyond their optimum range of motion. It’s a double whammy when this situation is compounded by repetitive movements.

Reduce Work-Related Injuries with Industrial Tugs from DJ Products

Our electric industrial tugs, such as the popular CartCaddy, let employees easily move loads up to 10,000 pounds on their own. These tugs include ergonomic features that allow for easy and stress-free maneuvering of loads across any surface.

Visit our website or call 800.686.2651 to learn more from our helpful sales engineers.

Knowledge of Hazards Boosts Procedure Changes Making Your Warehouse Safer

Increasing Warehouse Safety

According to the 2015 numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, five out of every 100 warehouse employees were involved in a workplace injury and 75 percent of those cases included lost time or job restrictions. Your company can reduce these numbers by observing some basic on-the-job safety measures.

Proper Forklift Operation

Data from OSHA indicates that approximately 95,000 forklift-related injuries occur each year.

All forklift operators should be 18 and over, fully trained and certified, and periodically evaluated.

Regularly review forklifts for broken parts and other damages.

Make sure operators observe the stated weight limits.

Keep aisles, loading docks and other traffic areas free of congestion.

Make seatbelt use mandatory.

Ensure that operators are protected from open pits and other dangers from covers or guardrails.

Repetitive Motion Activities

Poor form and awkward conditions make repetitive motion tasks, like lifting, another common cause of injuries.

Use power equipment instead of manual lifting whenever possible.

Enforce individual weight-lifting limits and require employees to seek assistance with heavier loads.

Adjust shelves to avoid lifting items from shoulder height or higher.

Keep floors free of debris and clean up spills immediately.

Provide adequate lighting.

Conduct ergonomic training, with instructions such as lifting with the legs and avoiding twisting when carrying items.

Lighten the Load with Industrial Tugs from DJ Products

Our battery-powered industrial tugs reduce the amount of force an employee must use to maneuver a load, and they’re ergonomically designed to eliminate stress on muscles and joints.

Call 800.686.2651 or visit our website to learn how our CartCaddy and other industrial tugs can improve efficiency and reduce injuries in your warehouse.

Will the Trump Presidency Boost Military Bomb Purchases from DOD Contractors?

Increase in Military Spending

While President-elect Donald Trump has been a powerful business man for decades, he has limited experience in the political arena. Much of the direction of Trump’s administration will be defined by his inner circle of advisors, with arms control being an area of particular interest.

Predicting Arms Control Under the New Administration

Experts believe Trump may adopt a position similar to that of former President Richard Nixon, who felt that demonstrating a willingness to use nuclear weapons is a crucial negotiating tactic. Trump’s aggressive personality alone could cause enemies to back down, but if he begins making nuclear threats, it could damage the U.S. relationship with its allies.

Unlike past presidents, who were familiar with the nuances of foreign relations, Trump hasn’t shown predisposition to strategic thinking. His response to challenges will most likely depend on whether the voices surrounding him recommend acceleration or negotiation.

Will CTBT Be Revived?

Trump could silence his critics, at least partially, by calling upon the Senate to proceed with hearings and ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). China, Pakistan, India and Israel, who have been biding their time, would most likely follow the lead of the U.S.

Russia, the traditional opponent of the U.S. when it comes to the arms race, ratified the CTBT during Boris Yeltsin’s time as president. Unfortunately, Russia’s continued observance of the treaty cannot be assumed.

Improve Safety with Bomb Movers from DJ Products

If you’re a DOD contractor, safe material handling procedures are essential. Contact us to learn how our remote-controlled, self-propelled bomb movers provide safe and efficient material transportation even in confined areas.

Highlighting the BombCaddy for Defense Contractors

Moving Bulky Equipment

Moving bulky DOD contractor equipment can be a tricky and difficult job with a high risk of injury. The BombCaddy from DJ Products lets your employees easily maneuver equipment and machinery, whether it’s in a confined space or being towed across long distances.

Move DOD Contractor Equipment with Ease

Our BombCaddy was originally designed for use at airport screening areas where explosive materials needed to be removed quickly and safely. The trailer is self-propelled and directed via remote control so the operator can remain at a safe distance.

Loads of up to 5,000 pounds can be moved with the BombCaddy using manual, wireless or pendant-controlled steering. It operates up to 2 MPH in confined areas, and it can be towed across long distances at speeds of up to 40 MPH.

Reduce Lost Time and Workers Compensation Claims

Most workplace injuries are due to overexertion, whether it be lifting excess weight or performing tasks in an awkward, unnatural posture. The BombCaddy allows a single employee to transport loads that would usually take at least two people, while the remote control feature eliminates squatting, pushing, pulling and other repetitive motion activities that cause stress on joints and muscles.

You’ll also see an increase in productivity when using the BombCaddy. Employees who would generally be assisting with material handling are freed up to spend their time on other duties.

Streamline Your Workplace Operations with the BombCaddy

Our BombCaddy is perfect for moving DOD contractor equipment, but it has applications for many other environments involving manufacturing, distribution or outdoor equipment. Visit our website for quick and friendly assistance from one of our sales engineers.

Car Dealers Embrace Energy Efficient Electric Cars

Auto Dealers Need the Car Pusher for Fast Service.

Eco-friendly electric cars may seem like an easy sell, but it’s not turning out that way. “Green” cars require a significant education process for both sellers and consumers, but some enthusiastic dealers are taking the lead.

Dealer Is “Bullish” on the Future of Electric Cars

Herb Chambers owns a 57-dealer network in the Boston area that sells most of the major auto brands currently available in the United States. After attending meetings in Germany and Japan, Chambers believes that electric cars have a strong future in this country.

Many of Chambers’ dealerships are selling electric cars, and he feels their popularity will grow in relation to decreasing prices and increasing range. The latter feature is particularly relevant in the Northeast, where cold weather can cut the range of electric batteries.

Showdown vs. Tesla Motors

Complicating the electric car situation in the United States is the battle between licensed dealers and Tesla Motors, whose luxury models are shown at company-owned retail stores and sold online. Chambers doesn’t consider Tesla’s five retail outlets in Massachusetts to be much competition.

According to Chambers, he wasn’t impressed after test-driving a Tesla model, and he feels the brand is overpriced compared to BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz. So far Chambers is one of few dealers willing to compete head-to-head against Tesla.

Improve Efficiency and Reduce Injuries with a Battery-powered Car Pusher

Whether your dealership sells electric cars, gas-powered autos or both, a battery-powered car pusher from DJ Products will keep your lot running smoothly. Visit our website and chat with our knowledgeable sales engineers about our CarCaddy and other models.

Save Manpower Hours, Stop Injuries with the WasteCaddy

Pushing Dumpster up an Incline can cause injury and be a 2 man operation.

Trash rooms may be fairly low-tech, but they’re the site of most injuries that happen to maintenance employees. Improve workplace safety and conserve manpower with an electric WasteCaddy dumpster pusher from DJ Products.

Here are the top reasons why you need a WasteCaddy for your workplace.

1. Increased Efficiency

It takes a minimum of two people to move a dumpster manually, so using a dumpster pusher automatically boosts efficiency by 50 percent. As one of our clients puts it, “It’s like having another employee on staff.”

2. Ease of Operation

• The WasteCaddy quickly attaches to a dumpster’s existing bracket, or you can fasten one of ours. Can’t attach items to your dumpster? We’ll work with you to create a method that suits your needs.

• Does the dumpster need to be moved through narrow passages and around sharp corners? Our WasteCaddy pivots a full 90 degrees to negotiate the most awkward areas.

3. Cost-Effective

• Our clients estimate that they save 16 man-hours per month.

• With the average workers compensation claim averaging more than $40,000, the WasteCaddy provides an 8-to-1 return on investment.

4. Lower Risk of Injury

Workplace injuries are frequently caused by overexertion from lifting heavy weights or stress from repetitive movements. With the WasteCaddy, an employee of any size, age or gender can move dumpsters weighing up to 5,000 pounds, because the ergonomic design reduces stress on muscles and joints.

We have a full line of dumpster pushers to solve any of your workplace needs. Visit our website and use the handy online chat feature to learn more from our friendly and knowledgeable sales engineers.

Strap-On Body Enhancements May be in the Future for Warehouse Workers

The Future: Wearable Body Enhancements.

Today’s wearable technology puts information such as your heart rate and your pet’s whereabouts right at your fingertips. Now warehouse employees can don a flexible exoskeleton suit that turns them into “superheroes.”

Meet MAX

The Modular Agile Exoskeleton, or MAX, is the brainchild of suitX, a robotics company based in Berkeley, CA. MAX uses assistive bionics technology to reduce the amount of muscle power needed to complete physical tasks in the workplace.

Separate modules protect the shoulder, back and legs, and they may be worn individually or in any combination. The modules are passive, so there are no motors to malfunction.

Increase Workplace Safety and Efficiency

In a press release announcing the arrival of MAX, suitX founder and CEO Homayoon Kazerooni said the suit was intended for jobs “where no robot can work as efficiently as a human.” In addition to warehouses, MAX has applications for delivery services and construction.

Each year, workplace injuries caused by overexertion and stress cost companies billions of dollars in lost productivity, insurance claims and higher premiums. Employees with physically demanding jobs can use MAX to boost lifting power and reduce the stress of repetitive tasks performed in awkward positions.

Maximize Your Workforce Effectiveness with Industrial Tugs from DJ Products

Your employees don’t need superhuman strength to operate our battery-powered industrial tugs. Movers like our CartCaddy 5WP allow a single person to move loads of up to 10,000 pounds, and they’re ergonomically designed to prevent repetitive movement injuries.

Don’t wait until injuries get out of hand. Visit our website and let our sales engineers help you find the right industrial tug for your needs.

Author: christopher Harper