christopher Harper, Author at DJ Products

The Right Tool for Tight Trash Room Spaces

Waste Caddy Is Your Solution for Tight Trash Spaces.

Do your employees expend unnecessary time and energy maneuvering dumpsters from tight trash room spaces to curbside pick-up spots? With the WasteCaddy, a battery-powered ride-on dumpster puller from DJ Products, a single employee can handle this difficult task with ease.

Improve Productivity and Efficiency with a Dumpster Puller

The WasteCaddy measures only 27″ wide so it can navigate narrow trash rooms and tight corners equally well. A bolt-on receiver and cotter pin construction forms a sturdy connection to any trash container, and the steel frame and three 36-volt batteries are powerful enough to pull up to 5,000 pounds.

The path between the trash room and curbside pick-up spot is rarely a smooth one. There may be an incline leading up to street level, or bad weather conditions can create snowy or slippery areas. Thanks to foam-filled tires and electric power, the WasteCaddy travels well on any surface.

Reduce Workplace Injuries and Insurance Claims

Since the trash room presents the highest risk of injuries in multi-family properties, use of our dumpster puller is considered a best practice by property management companies. Safety features include:

• Maximum speed of 6 MPH in forward and 2 MPH in reverse

• High-tech speed controller

• Adjustable acceleration and braking

• Neutral throttle braking

• Variable speed thumb twist grips to prevent repetitive motion injuries

DJ Products: Your Solution for Effective Material Handling

In addition to the WasteCaddy, we carry a full line of battery-powered tugs, movers and pullers. Call 800.686.2651 or visit our website and let our friendly sales engineers help you choose the best solution for your company’s needs.

The Future of Self Driving Trucks May Disrupt the Trucking Industry

Could Self-Driving Trucks be the Next Frontier?

Trucks without drivers? They may be here sooner than you think, as rapidly advancing autonomous vehicle technology is making self-driving trucks a reality.

Is the Industry Ready for Self-Driving Trucks?

Truck manufacturers, carriers, and the Department of Transportation have supported self-driving trucks as a safety measure. But a recently published study from the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) warns that the country’s infrastructure is seriously lagging behind the technology.

The study, titled “Identifying Autonomous Vehicle Technology Impacts on the Trucking Industry,” points out that there is no formal framework in place to cover the integration of self-driving trucks. This void could result in a legal and logistical nightmare.

Catching Up with Technology

According to ATRI’s study, some of the major topics that need to be addressed include:

• Infrastructure funding should be increased to make sure roads are free of potholes and other problems that can hinder self-driving trucks.

• Statutory changes will be necessary for issues such as liability as well as traffic regulations.

• The federal government “must take a leadership role” so that autonomous vehicle technology doesn’t get caught in a snarl of local and state laws.

• Cyber security should be in place to prevent hacks.

Among other benefits, self-driving trucks are seen as a solution to the growing trucker shortage, which the American Trucking Association predicts will reach 175,000 open jobs within 10 years.

Prevent Injuries with a Semi Trailer Pusher from DJ Products

Trucks may be able to drive themselves, but trailers can’t push themselves. Visit our website to learn more about our TrailerCaddy Extreme, a semi trailer pusher that can handle OTR trailers up to 50,000 pounds.

Cut Workman’s Comp Claims with a Dumpster Mover

Buy a Waste Caddy to Lower Injuries Today!

What’s the price of workplace safety? According to the Economic Policy Institute, 8.5 million work-related injuries occur annually for a total cost of $192 billion.

The National Safety Council names overexertion as the #1 cause of workplace injuries. Many of these incidents occur in the trash room, where employees are frequently moving heavy, bulky dumpsters. Is there a way to reduce this common risk?

Cut Down on Workplace Injuries with a Dumpster Pusher from DJ Products

Workers comp reports list a wide range of injuries, from basic back strains to serious lacerations and broken bones, that are related to trash room operations. Our battery-powered WasteCaddy dumpster pusher takes over the bulk of the task, minimizing the physical strain on your employees.

The WasteCaddy allows a single employee to maneuver bulky dumpsters weighing up to 5,000 pounds, immediately improving productivity by 50 percent. Instead of allocating two employees to the task, you are free to assign the second person to other duties.

The WasteCaddy can be used by employees of any height, age or gender. Still skeptical? Listen to one of our satisfied clients, who says: “It’s like having another employee on staff … The other guy is now available to do more important things, like respond to resident requests. That’s a big deal!”

Can You Afford to Be Without a WasteCaddy?

You’ll be amazed at the difference our WasteCaddy dumpster pusher will make in workplace injuries and workers comp claims. Visit our website today and use the convenient online chat feature to learn more from our friendly and knowledgeable sales engineers.

Highlighting the Dialysis Cart Mover for Hospitals and Clinics

At hospitals and other health facilities, a better environment leads to better care and working conditions. When health workers are empowered with tools to accomplish their tasks more efficiently, everyone benefits.

For administrators, improved conditions can also contribute to reduced operating expenses and better profitability. Injuries due to physical tasks are a major source of increased costs and absences.

Worker injuries can happen even with smaller, lighter equipment such as dialysis carts. That’s because repetitive motions can build up stress and lead to severe musculoskeletal injuries. For nurses and other health care workers who frequently maneuver and move dialysis carts, the risk of wrist, shoulder, and back injuries is significant.

Our Dialysis Cart Mover addresses the most pressing needs of health workers in terms of reducing the weight, difficulty, and repetitive stress related to moving swiveled carts:

• Turn and maneuver dialysis carts in tight spaces

• Reduce stress on arms and back when pushing carts down hallways

• Variable speed for safety and comfort

• Emergency braking switch

With a battery life of 16 hours, the Dialysis Cart Mover can last well beyond a standard work shift. The machine is ready to go when needed, operates quietly, and can be used by virtually any employee because it requires minimal physical strength.

We designed the Dialysis Cart Mover with a white body and sleek design so it blends in neatly with the hospital environment. It has the power of motorized industrialized equipment, and is right-sized for the needs of hospitals and clinics.

Protect your health workers and lower injury risks by requesting a demo or brochure for DJ Products’ Dialysis Cart Mover today.

Multi-Family Housing Trends for Property Managers

For today’s renters, the appeal of apartments and condos heavily centers around amenities. As a property manager, you are probably either thinking about what features you can feasibly and affordably add, or you are attempting to compete with a flashy new property in town.

Multi-family housing trends continue to focus on urban lifestyles and luxury amenities. An Avalon property in New Jersey, for example, has added a “bike spa” for storage and repairs.

Attracting today’s Millennial renters and charging higher rents can be accomplished by offering luxury services as well as improving the community feeling through better common areas.

Adapting for 2017 Housing Trends

Property managers have several options for improving the tenant experience, even without a major remodeling. Instead of building new features, many apartments and condos are partnering with nearby businesses like gyms, salons, and even chef schools to offer tenants high-end services and recreation.

Lowering operating costs are also part of the equation. If you can cut energy bills or reduce maintenance staff with automation, you might be able to afford a flashy new amenity.

To that end, property managers are adding tools like “smart” lockers that accept packages and send text alerts to the tenant. A property manager might add a dumpster mover or powered equipment cart to reduce the physical demands of garbage disposal and other daily tasks.

A dumpster mover can help your employees accomplish more, which can lead to benefits like faster maintenance ticket response times and cleaner common areas that boost tenant satisfaction. If your multi-family building needs solutions for more efficient management, check out our WasteCaddy and other dumpster mover solutions.

Protect Your Warehouse Staff with These Cold Weather Tips

Winter Tips

Over the last couple of years, many parts of the country have experienced historically severe winter weather. Are you and your warehouse staff prepared for the next few months? Use these helpful cold weather tips to keep employees safe and comfortable during frigid conditions:

• Proper clothing is the first line of defense against cold weather. All employees should be outfitted with thick socks, non-slip boots and insulated gloves as well as snug hats. Dressing in layers is suggested for increased warmth, but make sure that clothes are not so baggy that they pose a safety hazard.

• Employees should take regular breaks in warm areas. You might want to provide a supply of hot beverages for the break room.

• Institute a buddy system so employees can watch each other for signs of distress.

• Add supplemental heating where space permits. Never use carbon monoxide-emitting heaters in closed areas or places with no circulation.

• Remind employees to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. They should also eat nutritious, high-calorie foods to maintain strength and energy.

• Hypothermia, which can occur when body temperature drops below 95 degrees, affects people both mentally and physically. If an employee begins experiencing shivering, confusion and slowed breathing, move the person to a warm area and seek immediate medical attention. Warm them gradually to prevent shock from setting in.

Keep Your Workplace Moving with Industrial Tugs from DJ Products

Battery-powered industrial tugs from DJ Products improve workplace safety year-round during any type of weather. Visit our website where our knowledgeable sales engineers are standing by to help you select the right tug or mover for your jobs.

When Nurses Go On Strike Hospital Administrators Fear the Worst

When Nurses Go on Strike

Does your hospital have a contingency plan in place in case of a nurses’ strike? Such an event could end up costing dearly in terms of both money and patient care.

Can You Afford to Survive a Strike?

Consider the case of Washington (D.C.) Hospital Center, which experienced a brief labor dispute in 2011. Staff nurses held a one-day strike that was followed by a five-day lockout, and for that short period the hospital spent $6 million in temporary staffing and other related costs.

You and other administrators should develop a Plan B before any contract negotiations begin, even if it appears they will be amicable. If you end up getting caught unawares by a strike, it could force your hand and result in an unsatisfactory settlement.

Planning Ahead

So how do you craft an emergency plan for work stoppages? Curt Kirschner Jr., a San Francisco-based attorney who provides legal counsel on labor issues for the American Hospital Association, suggests that you predetermine the answers to these questions:

• Should patient services be reduced? If so, how far?

• How many non-union staff members could step in on an emergency basis?

• How many patients could reasonably be released to outside options like home care?

No matter how difficult negotiations get, always take the high road regarding unionized employees. They are the public face of your hospital, and speaking ill of them ultimately does more harm than good.

Streamline Operations with Hospital Cart Moving Equipment from DJ Products

Keep hospital functions running smoothly no matter what the circumstances. Contact us to learn how our hospital cart moving equipment increases efficiency while reducing work-related injuries.

Trash Rooms and Compactors are Dangerous!

Protect the Safety of Your Employees with the Dumpster Caddy

Trash collection and disposal seems like it should be a fairly benign activity, but sadly trash rooms and compactors have been the sites of a number of serious injuries and fatalities over the years.

Compactor Accidents Can Have Tragic Results

One of the more devastating accidents occurred at Grocery Outlet in Redwood, CA. Mendie Udo, a 43-year-old janitor who had worked at the store for several years, was discovered inside the trash compactor by another employee. Responding firefighters declared him dead at the scene.

Although there were no witnesses, a spokesperson for Cal/OSHA said there was no doubt that Udo was crushed in the compactor and there were no signs of foul play. Based on the position of the body, authorities speculate that Udo leaned into the machine.

Enforce Compactor Safety Rules in Your Workplace

Any employee who uses a compactor should be thoroughly trained in its proper operation. Here are some other safety measures that should be implemented in your workplace:

• The operating key should never be left in an unattended machine.

• Always examine the inside of the compactor’s bin before starting.

• Employees should never climb into the compactor or put any body parts inside the bin.

• Turn off the power and use long-handled tools to clear jams.

• Point of operation guards should be firmly in place at all times.

Prevent Workplace Injuries with a WasteCaddy from DJ Products

Transporting dumpsters and waste bins to the trash room can also cause injuries. Visit our website to learn how our battery-powered WasteCaddy can improve efficiency and cut down on workplace injuries and costly medical claims.

Tips for Your Staff on Using Your Dumpster Safely

Dumpster Safety

Whether you’re working a temporary construction project or you manage a large multi-family housing property, effective trash removal is a major part of the job. Avoid injury claims and work stoppages by making sure your employees are trained in these dumpster safety tips:

• People sometimes open dumpster gates as a shortcut for loading trash. If the gates do get opened, be sure they are securely closed immediately. Trash that spills out of the dumpster can be a safety risk and result in fines.

• Overfilling the dumpster is another sure way to end up with unsightly and dangerous spillage. Some states and municipalities prohibit trash pick-up if the waste extends beyond the top of the dumpster, which makes additional work for your employees.

• Eco-friendly trash removal involves more than toxic or radioactive materials. Ordinary household items such as paints, pesticides and batteries should never be placed in a dumpster. Take electronic waste like computers and televisions to the appropriate recycling facility.

• Distribute trash evenly throughout the dumpster so it stays level and balanced, especially when it’s being moved.

• Paper, cardboard and other lightweight materials can easily fly out of the dumpster. Keep these objects weighted down by heavier items, placing them all in bags if possible.

Practice Dumpster Safety with Electric Tuggers from DJ Products

Even if you carefully follow these dumpster safety tips, moving awkward and heavy dumpsters is a two-person job. Visit our website to learn how our battery-powered WasteCaddy lets a single employee maneuver dumpsters up to 5,000 pounds, even up inclines and across snow and ice.

Automakers Strive to Tap into Social Currency to Boost Sales

Social Currency and Auto Makers

Social media, with its ability to gather unprecedented amounts of data, has revolutionized marketing methods. How can big-ticket items like automobiles, where purchases often involve more time and research, take advantage of this access to consumers?

The Value of Social Currency

Vivaldi Group, a global marketing consulting firm, has come up with a creative way for car companies to create consumer engagement. CEO Erich Joachimsthaler has dubbed this process “Social Currency,” which applies both figuratively and literally.

As conceptualized by Vivaldi, social currency consists of seven dimensions. The top two, personal identity and social identity, are self-explanatory; they define a consumer’s self-image and place within the social structure.

How Social Currency Boosts Consumer Engagement

While the first two dimensions are already established, the other five present valuable opportunities for automakers to engage with consumers and help them solve problems. These dimensions are:

Expression, or brand identity

Conversation, or brand-consumer discussion

Affiliation, or how the brand builds a peer community

Information, or how the brand and the peer community combine to educate consumers

Utility, or how these dimensions personally affect consumers

In addition to creating a bond with consumers, social currency provides companies with avenues for real-world feedback so they can continually evaluate and refine their approach.

Improve Workplace Safety with a Car Pusher from DJ Products

Whether you’re moving autos around a lot or down an assembly line, a battery-operated car pusher from DJ Products lets a single employee maneuver vehicles up to 20,000 pounds. Call 800.686.2651 and let one of our friendly sales engineers help you find the right solution for your needs.

Author: christopher Harper