christopher Harper, Author at DJ Products

Push, Pull, Crush: Car Dealerships Deal with Safety Issues

When you own a car dealership, it may seem as though you shouldn’t have any real concerns about safety. When your employees aren’t in the office, they’re probably working with customers on the floor, taking them on test drives, discussing service, etc.

Even so, here at DJ Products we believe there are safety concerns in every business, and the dealership is no exception. In some ways, because the risk of safety problems seems so low, we remind all business owners to remain diligent. An insurance company by the name of The Zenith recently came out with several forms that are available online for you to use in your dealership’s safety program.

Moving Cars Safely

At some point, your employees will have to move cars for one reason or another, and it may not always be feasible or even possible for them to get behind the wheel. In these instances, a dealer caddy (car pusher) is a perfect solution that was developed for car dealerships. It’s a great resource because it saves employees’ backs and keeps you from having to compensate them for potential injuries.

Moving Parts Safely

Don’t forget your employees in the warehouse and the service department. They often take delivery of large bulky items when your parts are received, and carrying those heavy pieces back and forth to the shelves can take a real toll on their bodies. Instead, a parts caddy can help them stay safe and do their jobs much more efficiently.

Whether you’re in need of a car pusher for car dealerships, or just about any related business, contact us at DJ Products to help.

Bending, Pushing, Pulling, the Costs of Doing It Wrong May Ring Up a Steep Bill

Overexertion from lifting, pulling, pushing, carrying or throwing objects in the workplace ranks as the number one cause of disabling injury, according to the 2016 Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index. This type of injury cost employers more than $15.08 billion in direct costs. That is approximately 25 percent of the total direct cost burden relating to workplace injuries for U.S. companies .

Use smart lifting and moving methods

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that more than 36 percent of injuries that required missed workdays were shoulder and back injuries caused by overexertion and cumulative trauma from lifting heavy objects on a regular basis in the course of work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says employees can greatly reduce their likelihood of suffering from spinal injuries, pulled muscles, and back sprains by using smart lifting practices and utilizing mechanical methods like material handling tugs when moving heavy loads or objects.

When product or equipment must be lifted manually, employees should place the object in the “power zone” area of the body, which is mid-thigh to mid-chest. They should keep their spine straight whenever possible and bend with their knees instead of their waist. Mechanical lifts and material handling tugs should be used for anything weight more than 50 pounds. The work floor should be designed and laid out in such a way to allow clear passage of forklifts and other equipment essential to safely moving heavy loads.

Improve efficiency for your business and reduce the risk of overexertion injuries to your valuable team members by contacting one of our courteous and knowledgeable sales professionals at DJ Products.

Minnesota Gives Employers Up to $10,000 for Waste Safety Improvement Projects

Minnesota employers eligible to apply for OSHA’s Safety Grant Program are able to be awarded up to $10,000 to be used by employers to implement internal safety programs that aid in reducing the number of employee injuries on the job and illnesses that can arise.

The Safety Grant Program was established to help employers with the costs associated with implementing a safety program within the organization.

Projects eligible for a grant can range from addressing general internal safety factors within the organization to impacting a specific location’s safety management practices by adding special equipment like WasteCaddy dumpster movers, which are perfect for employers who strive to help employees avoid accidents on the job and reduce workers compensation claims. We’ve had customers get most of or a portion of the expense of a dumpster mover/waste caddy paid for by a grant from OSHA.

Consider that WasteCaddy dumpster pushers cut down on the number of injuries that happen when maintenance workers move dumpsters, whether it’s from the trash room to the curb or up a long incline outdoors. Using a WasteCaddy dumpster mover, employees will find the work easier, which will result in less injuries, as well as save valuable time. In many cases, a safety audit brought to light the need for ergonomic improvements to moving heavy waste bins and trash carts to prevent injury to staff. It may be time for you to take a careful look at how your staff is handling these heavy loads.

Our dumpster moving equipment can solve your company’s ergonomic needs, please contact us today for information on how DJ Products help in eliminating the on-the-job injuries associated with manual pulling and pushing of heavy dumpsters.

Industrial Ergonomics – Adapt Your Workplace to Your Employees to Save Costs

Not so long ago, companies used standard “one size fits all” equipment that did not allow for personalization to employees. Today, ergonomics are used in most workplaces to identify injury risks and make appropriate adjustments.

Everyday Risk Factors in the Workplace

Muscle strain and fatigue are two common health issues arising from repetitive tasks in both offices and industrial settings. According to Richard Haas, a chiropractor in Mason City, IA, approximately 40 percent of work-related health problems involve neuromuscular skeletal injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Integration of automation and technology is the primary reason for the increasingly repetitive nature of workplace activities. With many employees spending most of the day sitting at a desk, the resulting muscle stiffness and tension makes them more vulnerable to injury.

Creating Better Working Conditions with Ergonomics

Ergonomic equipment ranges from lumbar cushions for back support to dumpster movers or dumpster pushers that lighten heavy loads. Employees are also being trained in the proper body mechanics of sitting in a desk chair or lifting boxes.

Making the workplace more responsive to the physical needs of your employees generates a number of financial benefits:

• Production levels are higher due to more efficient working conditions and less time off from injuries.

• High costs of insurance, medical claims, time off and other expenses associated with injuries are reduced significantly.

• Positive employee morale creates greater job satisfaction, which in turn can prevent high turnover rates.

Let our battery-powered WasteCaddy dumpster movers from DJ Products provide an ergonomic solution for your employees’ well-being. Visit our website for a live chat with one of our friendly and knowledgeable sales engineers.

Four Most Common Safety Problems for Warehouses

Your warehouse is a vital part of the supply chain. It is imperative that products move through the process efficiently and safely. Accidents can result in damaged products, costly downtime, and injuries or death for your team members. Take some time to review these four common safety problems and take the necessary steps to prevent them in your warehouse.

Insufficient training

Health and Safety Magazine says in depth operator training on all material handling procedures and proper communication of all rules for workplace safety are the most important things all warehouse managers can do to maintain a safe warehouse.

Warehouse ergonomics

Working in the same environment day after day with ongoing pressure to meet tight schedules, it is easy for employees to take their personal safety and things like proper lifting techniques for granted. That is why we offer a full line of ergonomic electric tuggers, powered carts and pullers for any industrial application.

Trips and falls

These common injuries are often the result of fatigue or insufficient sleep. Train your employees to use proper equipment like powered carts when applicable and be sure supervisors watch for signs that workers may be distracted or impaired on the job.

Harmful substances

Some chemicals are necessary, but can also be serious workplace hazards. Be vigilant about safety training and proper handling of harmful substances.

Knowledge of warehouse ergonomics is essential to prevent injuries due to overexertion. At DJ Products, we specialize in providing you with reliable and easy-to-use methods of moving product and heavy equipment. Visit our website for our full line of cart pullers and other warehouse equipment.

Labor Department Gives DoD Contractors New Guidelines for Fighting Gender Discrimination

For the first time in 46 years, the U.S. Department of Labor has updated the regulations regarding sexual discrimination for defense contractors and all other federal contractors. Covering issues like pregnancy of employees and transgender status, the new rules apply to any federal contractor that receives a minimum of $10,000 from government contracts in a one-year time frame. Also covered are unlawful employment practices that treat women differently than men in the workplace.

Today’s workplace and legal landscape

It’s imperative that corporations embrace diversity in the workplace to protect all employees from any form of discrimination and a hostile work environment. To minimize the possibility of injuries to personnel and to help them complete their work efficiently, DJ Products, Inc. provides a full line of DOD contracting equipment. Designed specifically for the unique demands of defense contractors, this powerful equipment is easy to maneuver and it operates quietly. The BombCaddy offers dual-mode, remote-controlled power to intricately maneuver up to 5,000 lbs around tight areas and heavy equipment.

Federal contractors have no reason to feel uncomfortable about the newly adopted rules. Most DOD contractors and other company owners are already making decisive efforts to eradicate outdated stereotypes. These updated regulations help address any lingering issues of pay discrimination or uncertainty about dealing with gender identity and transgender status.

At DJ Products, our goal is to provide electric and motorized solutions that will eliminate strains from attempting to push or pull heavy loads. To learn more about our walk-behind and remote controlled DOD contracting equipment, contact us today to speak with one of our equipment specialists about solutions tailored to your business.

Lower Your Risk of Warehouse Injuries with a Focus on Ergonomics

During the course of a typical working day, there are many modern distractions employees are faced with which can cause physical injury. Arm your employees with the knowledge they need to reduce warehouse injuries and accidents by incorporating warehouse ergonomics into their daily work routine.

Remove Warehouse Obstacles

Keeping areas clear of empty boxes and used containers is imperative to prevent injuries caused by slipping and falling.

Importance of Safety Equipment

The number one type of workplace injury is strains and sprains. A lot of these injuries can be prevented with the proper safety equipment available to the employee, such as a back brace, safety harness or equipment that helps them perform their job. Explaining to employees the reasons it is important to use aids will gain employee buy-in and increase overall morale, an important part of reducing employee turnover.

Ergonomic Education

Encourage your employees to learn about ergonomics. By definition, ergonomics is the applied science of workplace equipment design in order to reduce discomfort and fatigue. Having the right industrial equipment available that can move equipment or machinery is safer than an employee trying to manually move or push heavy equipment and risk straining muscles.

Incorporating Warehouse Ergonomics

In order to begin incorporating ergonomics, review the layout of your warehouse, the number of employees and available equipment and machinery. Specialists trained in ergonomics will be able to assist you in choosing the right equipment for your specific work layout.

DJ Products like this CartCaddy Shorty help to reduce employee injuries and workers comp claims. Check out our complete inventory of cart pullers and waste caddies today.

How to Recognize Ergonomic Hazards Experienced by Your Maintenance Staff

You don’t need a medical degree to predict worker injuries caused by poor ergonomics. Watch your maintenance staff perform common tasks to see if they look comfortable and move naturally. If their daily chores put them in awkward physical positions or require repeated motions, it’s worth talking about better ergonomic tools and techniques.

The three biggest risk factors for maintenance staff injuries, according to Ergonomics Plus:

High-effort actions like lifting heavy objects or pushing heavy carts can cause musculoskeletal injuries even in generally strong people. Simple machinery and motorized, automated equipment like dumpster tugs should be preferred.
Awkward stances or motions cause extra stress on the muscles and joints. For maintenance staff, this often includes reaching above the head, bending over, and carrying or pushing items without the ability to hold the arms at a natural position.
Repetitive tasks can build up an injury risk, and the risk worsens if the task requires strength or a non-ergonomic (awkward) position.

Assess Ergonomics for Reduce Worker Injury Risks

Talk to staff and observe their daily duties for signs of the risk factors above. Changes to consider: rotating jobs throughout the day and adjusting or changing equipment to make repetitive tasks easier and more comfortable.

Some aspects of janitorial work simply require too much physical strength to be done safely — like manually pushing a dumpster on wheels across a parking lot or ramp.

Battery-powered equipment like dumpster tugs provide the best injury prevention for the high-force, awkward task of maneuvering a loaded waste container. Contact DJ Products to explore our variety of dumpster tugs and cart pushers that improve ergonomics and productivity.

Technology Leads the Way as the New Face of Defense Contracting

It has become a new wave of electronics and DoD contracting equipment for warfare in the U.S. military. The Pentagon wants to implement advanced electronic technology that may hold up on the battlefield for a generation or more. As amazing as that sounds, electronics and other advanced technologies are capable of giving the military that type of edge.

Weapons Types

Some of the weapons that are ready for production or that are being made as prototypes are naval rail guns, which use electromagnetic energy to fire projectiles at 5 times the speed of sound; drone swarms that will break apart like a flock of birds and attack en mass; Iron Man type suits that will aid the soldier on the field; and LASER beam weapons made for land, sea and air deployments.

The Private Sector

For the most part, many of these weapons are being developed by the private sector and not by regular military contractors. This “outside of the box” thinking is allowing little known advances in such technology areas as fiber materials, artificial intelligence, software, and diverse equipment such as robotic-controlled ships, helicopters and planes.

Of course, with every new advancement in technology, regardless of what it is, equipment will be needed to move it around warehouses and other spaces, and that’s exactly where the movement solutions from DJ Products will shine.

For more information on DoD-contracted military equipment or any other job where heavy equipment moving is essential, contact DJ Products, makers of trailer movers, aircraft tugs, rail car movers, and more. We have the mobile solutions for all of your warehouse floor management needs.

What Makes Dumpsters so Dangerous?

It’s easy to think of dumpsters as safe, since they are basically large inanimate objects. However, these massive metal structures tend the be the starting point for many workplace injuries. Loading, cleaning, and relocating a dumpster can be very hazardous to both employees and tenants.

Manage the injury risk at your workplace by taking a fresh look at the dangers surrounding dumpsters and waste containers. This rental dumpster blog sums up what everybody should know:

The ground around a dumpster must be kept clean to prevent slips and falls.
Clean dumpsters with disinfectant on a routine basis to stop the spread of illness and deter pests.
Dumpsters should be carefully placed in safe locations. Moving them requires machinery like a dumpster caddy because manual pushing and pulling carries major injury risk.
Workers should use proper lifting technique when loading a dumpster. Use side openings for large, heavy objects.
Use motion sensor lights to keep the area safe for nighttime workers.
Clearly label the dumpster with safety warnings — no one should climb in, hazardous materials should not be deposited, and workers should not move the container without a dumpster caddy and proper safety equipment.

Prevention is the best policy when it comes to worker injuries while using a dumpster. Safety gloves are a must; goggles and air filter masks are recommended. Make sure your employees know safe techniques for lifting heavy objects and trash bags.

If workers need to move a dumpster, be wary of manually pushing the dumpster, even if it’s on wheels. The dumpster caddy from DJ Products automates this process and virtually eliminates the risk of muscle injuries and runaway carts.