christopher Harper, Author at DJ Products

Forklift Safety Tips Your Warehouse Staff Needs to Know

Does your material handling equipment include forklifts? While they’re helpful in lifting and transporting heavy loads, forklifts present the same safety risks as other motorized vehicles.

A safe workplace minimizes loss of efficiency due to on-the-job injuries. Make sure your employees know and practice these helpful safety tips from OSHA:

Before Starting

Do a pre-check for any obstacles in your path.

Be sure your hands and the soles of your shoes are dry to prevent slipping as you mount the forklift.

Watch your footing as you mount and dismount.

Driving and Steering

Sound the horn at aisle crossings, blind spots and anywhere your vision is obstructed, such as operating in reverse.

Always come to a complete stop before changing directions.

When turning, slow down to a manageable speed. Start the turn as close to the inside corner as possible to allow for the wide swing of the forklift’s rear end.

The lift should be lowered before turning.

Stopping and Parking

Stop the forklift in a clear spot that doesn’t obstruct foot or vehicle traffic.

Place the direction lever in neutral, lock the mechanism and set the emergency break. The tips of the lift should be touching the floor.

Once the forklift is completely stopped with all safety measures engaged, dismount carefully, without jumping.

Efficient, Cost-Effective Material Handling Solutions from DJ Products

Overexertion and repetitive motions are two of the primary causes of work-related accidents and injuries. Protect your employees with durable, eco-friendly material handling equipment from DJ Products. Call 800.686.2651 for prompt and friendly assistance from our experienced sales engineers.

Safety Tips for Property Managers

Property managers often deal with a wide variety of people in both public and private settings. In many cases, such as during property showings, robberies (and worse) have taken place due to the relative absence of other people. These tips can help keep you and your co-workers safe while handling the day-to-day chores of running a rental office.

Be Careful When Doing Physical Labor

There are times when property managers who don’t normally do maintenance work may need to be out and about on their properties. During those times, it’s important to take every precaution to not injure yourself. Using the right tools such as a dumpster caddy can make the job of moving heavy objects easier, leading to fewer accidents.

Always Copy Identification

When showing units, make a copy of everyone’s ID before taking them into a space for lease and only do so if someone else is around. If staffing is tight, send a quick text/email to your office with an ID scan so at least someone else knows who is viewing the property.

Schedule Unit Tours in Advance

By having potential tenants schedule their showing in advance, you can limit tours only to periods of time when there will be more than one person in the office or on the property. If that does not work for the tenant, you can at least have another person accompany you for the showing.

If you’re interested in learning more about keeping yourself safe as a property manager, or making your workload easier with tools like a dumpster caddy, give our staff at DJ Products a call at 1800-686-2651.

Pearl Harbor Navy Official Faces Contract Rigging Charges

Taxpayer watchdogs are quick to pounce when military contracts appear to be handed out as sweetheart deals. Case in point: when a Navy procurement official directed $15 million of contracts to his own wife, federal prosecutors were not far behind with conflict of interest charges.

The case involved oil containment booms at Pearl Harbor. William Nesmith, a civilian logistics manager at the naval station, reportedly sent two hefty contracts to his wife’s construction firm.

In their defense, attorneys argued that the conflict of interest did not cost the American taxpayer any extra money. Nesmith is said to have designed the plans on his own.

Ethics of DOD Contract Awards

Regardless of whether contracts are awarded over lower bids, a conflict of interest charge looks bad for contractors and the government. Taxpayers expect that their government solicits bids on a competitive basis, whether it’s a billion-dollar aircraft investment or a run-of-the-mill DOD material handling equipment purchase.

Contract rigging can lead to steep fines and even prison time. In this case, Nesmith faced up to 5 years in jail and a quarter-million dollar fine. Federal prosecutors may choose to settle, but the fallout could include civilian firings and contractors being suspended from bidding.

While it’s hard to say how often DOD contracts are awarded amidst such conflicts, what is clear is that taxpayer groups fight hard against these cases if they ever come to light.

At DJ Products, we are proud to offer GSA-approved solutions including trailers, vehicle pushers, equipment carts, and other DOD material handling equipment. Contact us for more information about our military and DOD applications.

Cloud Connected Sensors Impact the Rail Industry

Fluffy Clouds In A Perfect Blue Sky — Control From The Cloud

Cloud computing and railroad logistics may seem like a strange combination, but this Internet of Things (IoT) pairing is adding the flexibility of predictive analytics to a previously rigid program. These systems, already successful in Europe and Australia, are now making their way to American railroad operations.

Railroads Head to the Cloud

In 2016, MPEC Technology is spearheading pilot installations of SA380 series sensors and Centrix cloud-connected data analytics software on four Class 1 railroads. Upcoming installations are also being planned by a number of heavy rail transit operators located in the Northeastern states.

Once the systems are installed, operators will be able to remotely monitor track switches and circuits as well as third-rail power systems and train trip stops. As the program grows, it’s expected to mirror the European systems that monitor additional assets such as electrical power systems and relay-based interlockings.

Benefits of Remote Asset Tracking

The SA380 series sensors collect status and performance data such as track switch positions and transmit it wirelessly to Centrix, where it can be accessed anytime though a web-based interface. Operators can then use tools in the Centrix platform to analyze data.

As the European and Australian experiences have demonstrated, the system results in greatly enhanced efficiency for railroads. Operators can remotely diagnose equipment problems for more effective maintenance and fewer service disruptions.

Save Time, Money and Labor with Battery-Powered Railcar Movers

If your business is railroading, electric railcar movers from DJ Products allow a single employee to easily maneuver railcars weighing up to 200,000 pounds. Visit our website and use our handy online chat feature to get more information from our friendly, knowledgeable sales engineers.

Fun Facts: Forbes’ Amazing Facts About Private Jets

The mention of private jets usually conjures up images of celebrities, wealth and glamour. While those qualities are certainly part of it, the business aviation industry makes a valuable contribution to the country’s economy, employing 1.2 million people and generating a whopping $150 billion each year.

Here are some other fascinating and little-known facts about private jets as revealed by Forbes:

• The United States comprises 49.7 percent of the world’s private jet market, more than double the number of Europe at 20.8 percent.

• Average hourly charter rates range from $1,674 for a Citation Mustang to $8,640 for a Gulfstream 550.

• Van Nuys (CA) Airport, the busiest general aviation airport in the world, is the site of more than 259,000 takeoffs and landings each year. Teterboro in New Jersey is the top domestic airport for international travel, while Vnukovo in Russia is number one in Europe.

• Not surprisingly, the Super Bowl generates the most single-event private jet travel.

• Nearly all private jets pale in comparison to the most expensive model in the world, the Airbus A380 owned by Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud. Splashy features such as a two-car garage, a stable for horses and camels, and a rotating prayer room drove the estimated cost to more than $500 million.

Maneuver Through Hangars with Ease Using a Small Airplane Mover from DJ Product

Whether you need a small airplane mover or a dumpster tugger, DJ Products has a battery-powered material handler to fulfill your needs. Use our convenient online chat feature to get assistance from our expert sales engineers.

Eco Friendly Semi Trucks May Be the Future if This Startup Gets Its Way

An eco-friendly semi truck might sound as realistic as a unicorn, but it may be closer than you think. A startup in Utah is banking on being the first company to roll out this game-changing vehicle.

The New Face of Trucking?

Nikola Motor Company, the namesake of legendary engineer Nikola Tesla, has an experimental truck called One on its virtual drawing board. One’s aerodynamic design and hybrid drivetrain show promise as a major step toward a greener trucking industry.

The sophisticated drivetrain consists of electric motors, lithium-ion batteries and an on-board turbine, which kicks in when the batteries run low. Unlike electric cars, these trucks won’t need to be periodically plugged in.

Take Advantage of Multiple Fuel Sources

While the turbine is intended to run primarily on compressed natural gas (CNG), it can also burn diesel fuel or gasoline. Nikola’s initial plan is to build a nationwide network of 50 CNG stations drawing on the company’s own natural gas wells, with more stations to be added if the program takes off.

Currently the One exists only as a computer-generated concept, with no word as to when an actual prototype will debut. However, Nikola has been accepting fully refundable $1,500 deposits, with the first 5,000 orders to include one million miles worth of free fuel.

DJ Products Bridges the Present and the Future

Our battery-powered semi truck trailer caddy will provide an eco-friendly companion to Nikola’s One, just as it does to the trucks in your fleet today. Visit our website to learn more about our semi truck trailer caddy and all the other material handling solutions from DJ Products.

Army Starts Testing Self-Driving Trucks in Michigan

Practically all automobile manufacturers, technology companies, ride-share companies, and insurance companies feel that autonomous vehicles will be safer and more efficient. The general public is not yet convinced.

A lot of people say they’re not ready to trust riding in a self-driving car. Despite the negative perceptions of many, the US military is interested in embracing this still-developing technology and has begun testing it on a 21-mile stretch of Interstate 69 in Michigan.

Improving vehicle communications in military convoys

According to Digital Trends, The system currently being tested by the military doesn’t actually drive the trucks. It uses sensors developed by the Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) in Warren, Michigan. The road testing is being done in nearby St. Clair and Lapeer Counties. The TARDEC sensors notify all vehicles in the convoy of road conditions, bridges, vehicle slowdowns, and other possible obstacles.

Michigan moves forward with connected cars

The state of Michigan is ahead of most other states when it comes to connected car technology. It passed a bill in May of 2016 authorizing the sale and use of self-driving cars. By passing legislation that allows autonomous car tests and convoys of driverless trucks on public roads, the lawmakers show they want Michigan to stay the US auto capital.

At DJ Products, we understand how technology can improve safety. Our military truck pushers and remote-controlled BombCaddies can maneuver heavy loads and vehicles while keeping the operator safe.

To see our full line of military truck pushers and other equipment for military and DOD applications, visit djproducts.com or call one of our friendly sales associates at 1-800-686-2651.

OH&S’ Top Tips for Workplace Safety for Healthcare Employees

Caring for the sick unfortunately puts healthcare workers at a high risk of getting ill or injured themselves. It’s a stressful line of work with plenty of hazards, ranging from exposure to pathogens to the hazards of working with heavy equipment.

Everyone in a medical facility should be aware of proper safety practices. They include orderlies, nursing aides, and maintenance staff — who face the greatest risk of physical injury from musculoskeletal disorders.

When your healthcare organization discusses safety and injury prevention, be sure to include ergonomic concerns and repetitive task injuries. These issues rank up there with the top healthcare injuries according to OH&S Online:

1. Bloodborne pathogens can be controlled with proper handwashing and wearing safety equipment, along with proper equipment cleaning.

2. Sharps injuries usually occur when storing or transferring the instrument. Use locked safety boxes for storage and pass them in basins.

3. Musculoskeletal injuries are caused by high-effort and repetitive tasks. Common factors include lifting patients from beds and pushing equipment carts. Use powered hospital carts to move equipment and maintenance supplies, and use slings and hoists to move patients whenever possible.

4. Chemical risks require constant vigilance — have safety sheets handy and make sure workers are using protective equipment and safe practices.

5. Fire risks are higher in hospitals than many other workplaces because of the chemicals present. Regularly review your fire response protocol with all workers.

Injury risks for healthcare employees cannot be eliminated, but they can be managed. Automated equipment is a big part of the solution, including powered hospital carts to help move equipment and maintenance supplies. Contact DJ Products for more info about our cart movers.

Properties with an Auger Style Compactor Need a Dumpster Caddy

Trash disposal is a cumbersome process for any industry, ranging from manufacturing to hospitality. Today, auger-style compactors paired with dumpster movers result in significant savings of space, money and labor.

A Revolutionary Change in Trash Disposal

Traditional compactors use a hydraulic-powered ram to push trash into a container. There is little actual compacting action until the container is nearly full, leaving much to be desired in terms of effective use of space.

In contrast, augur-style compactors are equipped with a spiral bit that operates electronically. The boring motion breaks down trash before it enters the container for denser, more efficient payloads.

Benefits of Augur-Style Compactors

Contents of payloads are increased by up to 50 percent.

Fewer trash hauls are required, reducing labor and expenses.

Denser payloads mean lighter impact on the environment.

Electrical power is more eco-friendly than hydraulics.

Since the auger is continually moving forward, there is no litter around the container entrance like there is from the drag-back action of a hydraulic ram.

The forward motion of the auger also eliminates costly and frustrating chute jamming.

Unlike hydraulic ram compactors, there is no danger of auger-style compactors freezing up in cold weather.

Increase Efficiency with Dumpster Movers

Denser payloads equal a minor drawback of heavier weight, but the WasteCaddy dumpster mover from DJ Products provides a convenient solution. Our electric dumpster movers let a single employee transport containers up to 10,000 pounds over inclines as well as flat surfaces. Call 800-686.2651 or use our online chat feature for friendly assistance from our knowledgeable sales engineers.

Use Our Ergonomic Load Calculator to Get Tips on the Right Equipment for the Right Job

When you need to move materials in your warehouse, hotel, hospital or other workplace, do you follow a trial-and-error method to determine the most efficient way? Our DJ Products Ergonomic Load Calculator helps you find the right equipment based on load and available labor.

The Role of Industrial Ergonomics

On-the-job injuries are the biggest drain on labor and expenses, resulting in significant reductions of efficiency and major increases in medical claims. Industrial ergonomics is the practice of adapting job tasks and conditions to maximize natural abilities and movements of your employees.

There is a precise way to figure out the elements needed to push or pull a particular load, but you don’t have to be a scientist to use it. Our Ergonomic Load Calculator takes your input, determines the necessary amount of force and compares it to available manpower.

How to Use the Ergonomic Load Calculator

The calculator first estimates the amount of horizontal force needed to move a load on wheels. Information used includes weight of the load, condition of the wheeled vehicle, and surface covered.
Next, the calculator computes the “Human Performance Capability” based on variables involving the employee and proposed application.
Finally, the calculator generates a table comparing the estimated amount of force with the corresponding Human Performance Capability. If the former amount is greater than the latter, a list of recommended ergonomic methods is included.

DJ Products: Your Source for Industrial Ergonomics Solutions

We offer a full line of electric tugs, caddies and movers to solve your material handling needs, ranging from shopping carts to Humvees and military trucks. Visit our website to learn more.