Material Handling Equipment Supplier Archives

5 Tips to Help You Choose the Right Material Handling Tug for Your Warehouse

Motorized Tugs Improve Safety

So, you’ve made the decision to implement material handling tugs in your warehouse to protect workers and improve productivity. How do you decide which ones are best for your applications? Our experts share five questions that will help you choose.

1. Does the tug promote a safe working environment?

A good tug allows a single employee to easily move heavy objects and materials with less effort. In addition to strength, the tug should offer maneuverability through tight quarters that will reduce the risk of collisions, falling containers and other mishaps.

2. Does the tug cut down on physical strain?

Transporting bulky or heavy items often results in workers twisting, turning and bending, which can lead to injuries as well as chronic pain in the long term. With our tugs, once the connection is made, a worker simply walks at a normal pace to operate it.

3. Does the tug promote proper posture?

When employees contort their bodies into awkward positions to move heavy objects, it places excessive stress on their musculoskeletal system. While it may get the job done, workers pay the price in sprained muscles and damaged joints. Operating our tugs lets employees maintain a neutral upright position that avoids strain.

4. Does the tug minimize the need for manual tasks?

Manual material handling, or MMH, is a frequent cause of back pain and overall fatigue. Statistics indicate that three-quarters of workers involved in MMH tasks experience injuries that make up one-third of compensation costs. Quality material handling tugs take the burden from workers, safeguarding their well-being.

5. Is the tug ergonomically designed?

Repetitive motions can often lead to long-term physical problems. A tug that’s ergonomically designed includes features that reduce wear and tear from these movements. It also creates a safe grip to optimize control and reduce the risk of accidents.

Choose Electric Material Handling Tugs from DJ Products

Our comprehensive line of battery-powered tugs, movers and pushers make warehouse safety a priority while also reducing your carbon footprint. Contact us at 800.686.2651 or use our handy online chat feature, where our knowledgeable Sales Engineers are ready to answer your questions.

5 Common Warehouse Injuries and How to Prevent Them

Power Trailer Dolly for Heavy Loads

For warehouse workers, holiday shopping translates to increased business and longer work days. While the boost in activity means bigger paychecks, the downside is a bigger risk of injury. Our Trailer Dolly is a perfect solution to help prevent these common warehouse injuries.

1. Forklift Mishaps

While forklifts are involved in only about one percent of warehouse accidents, these incidents tend to be more serious, accounting for 11 percent of physical injuries. Overturned forklifts top the list in this category, and the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that nearly 70 percent of such accidents could be eliminated with better training.

2. Slips, Trips and Falls

With so many people moving simultaneously across a warehouse floor, it’s no surprise that a number of accidents involve workers losing their footing. Some factors, such as the drop between the loading dock and the ground below, require vigilance and caution. Others, such as spilled materials and obstructed aisles, can be controlled with improved maintenance.

3. Overexertion

Warehouse work frequently involves moving heavy objects. Over time, this puts excessive stress on the musculoskeletal system, especially if workers are using poor form while lifting, pulling and carrying. While these injuries can affect any part of the body, the back is particularly susceptible. Musculoskeletal injuries can also become chronic, leading to long-term problems.

4. Repetitive Stress

Similar in nature to overexertion injuries, repetitive stress injuries result from a specific action performed regularly over a period of time. Some examples are:

* Carpal tunnel syndrome, caused by pressure on a major nerve in the arm

* Tendinitis, an inflammation of the connective tissue between bone and muscle

* Bursitis, which occurs when the lubricating pouch between tendon and bone becomes inflamed

5. Hazardous Materials

Hazardous materials contain chemicals or other substances that can cause damage to humans and the environment. Handling of hazardous materials is strictly regulated by OSHA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other government organizations.

Promote Workplace Safety with the Trailer Dolly from DJ Products

Our Trailer Dolly is only one of our eco-friendly tugs, movers and pushers that effectively reduce risk of injury in your warehouse or distribution center. Contact us at 800.686.2651 to learn more.

Improve Staff Scheduling for Distribution Center Efficiency

Warehouse Scheduling Tips

While state-of-the-art equipment like our trailer dolly helps to maximize productivity, the greatest asset of any company is the workforce. Does your planning include updated scheduling procedures? Empower your employees with staff scheduling approaches that accommodate them as well as your business operations.

Incorporating Flexible Scheduling

The days of fixed 40-hour workweeks for everyone are largely in the rear-view mirror. Many warehouses and distribution centers are adopting scheduling policies that promote greater work/life balance while optimizing staffing levels.

With open shift posting, jobs are scheduled for a specific date and time, but they’re not assigned to a specific employee. This allows workers to “bid” on shifts that suit their interest and availability. Some companies also allow employees to trade shifts, such as in the case of an unexpected emergency, which cuts down on unplanned absences.
Due to seasonality and other effects on the ebb and flow of business demands, staffing requirements can vary greatly. Voluntary time off, also known as VTO, is a helpful tool in managing these changes. For example, if your warehouse traditionally experiences a slowdown after the first of the year, you can offer workers the chance to take time off. While this differs from PTO (paid time off) in that VTO is unpaid, employees retain their seniority and benefits.

Benefits of Flexible Scheduling

According to a report by CNN Money, nearly three-quarters of people surveyed ranked respect as the #1 factor in job satisfaction. Flexible work schedules demonstrate a healthy level of respect for your employees and their needs. As a result, workers will also develop a sense of loyalty that reduces turnover.
Just as our trailer dolly and other top-quality equipment helps prevent physical injuries, flexible scheduling promotes mental and emotional well-being through greater job satisfaction. Happy employees maintain a positive attitude and have better attendance.

DJ Products: Your Top Source for Material Handling Solutions

We offer a full line of tugs, movers and pushers that boost workplace efficiency and reduce costly on-the-job injuries. Call DJ Products at 800.686.2651 or use our handy online chat feature to learn more from our friendly and knowledgeable Sales Engineers.

New Smart Warehouse Technologies to Embrace in 2019

New Smart Technologies to Embrace

Technology has made devices such as phones “smart,” and now it’s doing the same with warehouses. There are a number of sophisticated tools available to help you increase productivity of employees and material handling equipment.

So when it comes to implementing these processes, where do you start? Experts recommend these must-have technologies as ones that will make the greatest impact.

Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)

If you don’t already have a WMS in place, you’re behind the curve. These systems let you review large amounts of data in an organized fashion, making it easier to anticipate and plan for changes. A WMS also coordinates well with other technologies to serve as an information hub.

Automated Picking Tools

Fewer issues will annoy customers more than orders filled with errors. Voice automation, robots and upgraded barcoding are some of the options you can use to improve order-picking accuracy.

Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS)

AS/RS is not a new concept, but the drawbacks of earlier versions often outweighed their benefits. Today’s systems are more streamlined so you can enjoy the advantages of lower costs and greater accuracy without the inconvenience.

Automated Inventory Control

Inventory control is an essential factor in cost management and effective customer service, but manual systems are clumsy and time-consuming. Automated platforms can perform the work automatically and put real-time data at your fingertips, even remotely.

Collaborative Robots (Cobots)

While visions of the future often include fully automated workplaces, staffing a warehouse with robots isn’t truly feasible at this point. Cobots are designed to work alongside employees, not replace them, to enhance operations.

State-of-the-Art Material Handling Equipment by DJ Products

Our electric material handling equipment coordinates perfectly with all types of warehouse systems. Contact us for more information.

A Look Ahead into Barcoding and Labeling Usage in Warehouses for 2019

Barcoding Use in Warehouses

The rise in E-commerce has resulted in customer demand for greater speed with less room for error. Reliable material handling equipment and accurate barcoding and labeling are necessities to stay ahead of the competition.

Here are the barcoding and labeling trends experts are seeing today. How does your system measure up?

Flexible Usage

Product demand, return volumes and seasonal fluctuations cause frequent changes in product slotting for maximum efficiency. Many barcoding and labeling systems are moving to materials that are easy to remove and reposition.

Advance Planning

When planning a warehouse layout, the barcoding and labeling process is often regarded as a secondary issue that can be handled on the fly. Putting it off until later can result in confusion, errors and delays. Make sure barcoding and labeling is part of the initial planning process for any new construction or renovations.

Color-Coding

Colored barcode labels are more visible, making them particularly helpful with tiered racking systems. Color-coding also provides consistency across a network of warehouses or distribution centers.

Environment-Specific

Different conditions present different challenges for barcoding and labeling. For instance, a label that works in ambient temperatures may be insufficient for freezer use. Consider the environment that labels will be used in and be sure they can stand up to the conditions.

Full-Service Suppliers

As warehouse space grows to accommodate inventory levels required for E-commerce, barcoding and labeling becomes more complex. Full-service suppliers can handle the project every step of the way, from planning and preparation to creation and installation.

Modern Material Handling Equipment for Today’s Warehouses

As a satisfied customer put it, our battery-powered tugs, movers and pushers are like adding another person to your warehouse staff. Contact DJ Products to learn more about our full selection of material handling equipment.

How “The Airbnb of Warehouses” Is Revolutionizing E-Commerce

The boom in e-commerce has challenged retailers, who have limited warehouse space. A company dubbed “the Airbnb of warehouses” has stepped in to provide companies with a cost-effective solution.

Have Warehouse, Will Rent

The founders of Seattle-based Flexe were inspired by the offhand complaint of a friend who was struggling to acquire adequate warehouse space for his online business. They began by offering an “overflow” service pairing companies that had unused warehouse space with others that needed temporary storage.

Less than five years later, Flexe has 25 million square feet of storage and expects to add 10 million more in 2017. With zero dollars invested in facilities, Flexe can boast of better geographic coverage than industry titan Amazon.

More Solutions for E-Commerce Companies

In 2016 Flexe added online fulfillment services, which allows warehouse operators to charge additional prices to ship orders directly to customers. This has been an attractive option for companies who want the speedy shipping Amazon provides but still want a direct relationship with customers.

Flexe took another step forward in May when it launched an overnight delivery service. As the company’s co-founder Karl Siebrecht explains, e-retailers can now compete with Amazon Prime in price and delivery while continuing to build their own brand.

Streamline Operations with Warehouse Tugs from DJ Products

Customer satisfaction depends on timely movement of products through the supply chain. Electric warehouse tugs like our popular CartCaddyShorty let a single employee safely move loads up to 3,000 pounds through tight quarters and up and down inclines.

Visit our website and use the online chat feature for real-time assistance from one of our sales engineers.

Is It Best to Push or Pull a Heavy Dumpster?

DJ Products’ Dumpster Caddy Reduces Workplace Injuries

Deciding whether to push or pull a loaded dumpster can have a significant impact on your health, and the health of your employees. Moving several hundred pounds of trash and metal unassisted is never easy and can be close to impossible if the surface isn’t completely flat and smooth.

Pushing or Pulling – Which is Better?

In most cases, pushing a dumpster will result in less strain on your back and is generally safer since it cannot end up rolling over you if you fall down. Even so, a fully loaded dumpster can weigh half a ton or more, making it extremely difficult to move even with two people on the job.

How to Alleviate the Problem

Dumpster tugs are designed to work around the problem of forcibly moving a dumpster by giving you a way to use a powered device to help move it along. Our tugs are designed to be operated by only one person, making it less likely that you will need multiple employees to handle trash collecting activities. In a hotel or apartment complex environment, this frees up maintenance workers to focus on more pressing matters surrounding the comfort of your guests and residents.

DJ Products has developed dumpster tugs that make moving trash around extremely simple. To find out more about how our products can benefit your business, give us a call at 1-800-686-2651

Maintenance Staff Injury Prevention Starts with a Waste Caddy

Injuries can Occur from Pushing or Pulling Heavy Dumpsters.

Janitors and maintenance teams have enough physical strain in the course of their job. After making the rounds, lifting and throwing bags into the dumpster and dealing with oversized items, the employee then has to push the waste container to the proper collection site. That last step can be the most difficult – manually pulling or pushing thousands of pounds.

Tips to Prevent Injuries to Maintenance Staff

Prevention has two main components: general health and ergonomics. The ergonomic part is easy – you can switch from manual power to battery-powered waste caddies that motorize the most difficult part of the job.

Safety experts also recommend taking a holistic approach – what John Virsack of ARM has called the “360 degrees of safety.” Consider workplace programs to promote healthy eating, exercise, work-life balance, and stress reduction. Workers in good shape physically and mentally are less likely to get injured and miss days.

Waste caddies and dumpster movers are a necessity for workers, regardless of physical conditioning. No strong man can safely push and maneuver a loaded dumpster 100% of the time. Frequent exertion, inclines, gravel parking lots, etc. – the job needs automation to be safe.

Consider the many safety hazards of manually moving dumpsters:

• Muscle strains from long-term overexertion.

• Herniated discs, torn muscles from sudden force.

• Crushed fingers and toes, e.g. when maneuvering into a freight elevator.

• Pinned by dumpster when out of control on slope or slippery surface.

• Property damage if dumpster strikes parked cars or buildings.

To prevent worker injuries — not to mention the cost of sick days and workers comp claims — invest in a waste caddy to improve safety for your maintenance staff.

Warehouse Workers Adapt to New Roles as Robots Move In

Robots Are Changing Warehouse Staffing and Management Techniques

Amazon is unquestionably an industry leader. The e-commerce company surpassed Walmart as the biggest retailer by market value years ago. According to Fortune, Amazon is worth more than Costco, Target, and Walmart combined. Companies like Walmart are scrambling to maintain revenue by increasing their focus on e-commerce. Currently, nobody does e-commerce better than Amazon. And the company Jeff Bezos founded in 1994 is fully embracing warehouse equipment and robots to stay ahead of others.

New challenges for employees

In the not so distant past, monotonous, repetitive jobs were done by humans for low pay. Thanks to advancements in technology, robots are now capable of doing more intricate tasks. While it’s true that many jobs that were traditionally completed by human hands are now being done by robots, Amazon’s staggering growth has created an abundance of other jobs that need to be filled by human workers. These jobs are mentally challenging and not repetitive, says 21-year-old Nissa Scott, who began working at one of Amazon’s New Jersey warehouses last year. She is responsible for monitoring and troubleshooting several robots.

Warehouse equipment benefits employees and companies

Warehouse management has a lot of things happening all at once and countless repeatable processes. Reliable, efficient equipment along with a proper focus on ergonomics and employee training helps to maintain profitability for a company by preventing back strains, reducing slip and fall injuries, and lowering the company’s costs associated with workplace injuries. The average cost to an employer due to a common trash room injury is more than $41,000.

Contact DJ Products to speak with one of our knowledgeable sales engineers about which of our material handling equipment products are best for your company’s needs.

Three Tips to Keeping Your Warehouse Staff Cool in Summer’s Heat

Workers In Distribution Warehouse

Heat is a good thing when you’re lying on a beach near some refreshing water, but not so much when you’re working indoors in scorching summer temperatures. With doors frequently opening and closing, relying strictly on air conditioning can be a losing proposition. Keep warehouse staff productivity up on hot days with these “cool” tips.

Make sure your warehouse has the proper amount of insulation. This will also help the building stay warm during the winter.
Adding a coat of white paint to the roof deflects the sun’s rays, reducing the amount of heat building up in the warehouse.
Stagnant air feels much warmer. Ceiling and floor fans keep the air circulating so that it feels cooler. Ceiling fans have seasonal settings so that air blows downward in summer and gets drawn upward in winter. Industrial ceiling fans use high volume and low speeds to compensate for the frequent opening and closing of doors.
Use vinyl strip doors on the docks to allow easy in-and-out access while reducing the movement of air. Place solar film overlays across windows to cut down on heat.
While using exhaust fans to dehumidify the air will reduce heat, misting fans and evaporative coolers are also helpful.
Encourage your employees to drink plenty of water regularly, not just when they’re thirsty.

Excessive stress and strain on the job can intensify the effects of heat on your warehouse staff. Battery-powered tugs like our CartCaddy 5WP allow your employees to easily move heavy, awkward loads. Call 800.686.2651 and let our knowledgeable Sales Engineers help you find the best solution to increase your warehouse productivity.

Category: Material Handling Equipment Supplier