Day: March 20, 2017

Equipment Investment May Save You on Workers’ Comp Insurance Claims

Accident in warehouse
Prevent Workmans Comp Claims

Can you put a price on the safety of your employees? A one-time investment in equipment such as movers and tugs can mean a dramatic savings over the never-ending costs of ongoing workers’ compensation insurance claims.

What Constitutes a Workplace Injury?

Most companies are legally required to carry workers’ compensation insurance to help limit an employee’s financial loss in case of injury. A work-related injury is defined as one incurred during the course of employment, which actually includes a wide range of cases.

  • While most workplace injuries happen on company grounds, they can also occur off-site, such as while driving a company-owned vehicle, if the corresponding activity is part of job responsibilities.
  • An injury that occurs during lunch or break time can be considered work-related if it happens on company property or off-site, such as during a meeting with a client.
  • Workplace injuries don’t even have to occur during work hours. They can happen during holiday parties or other after-hour events sponsored by an employer.
  • Injuries sometimes occur when employees fail to observe proper safety rules. As of today there is no consistency regarding legal interpretation of such incidents, so you shouldn’t assume the employer is free of responsibility.
  • Depression and other mental illnesses caused by workplace conditions may be covered, as well as pre-existing conditions that are aggravated by performing a job.

DJ Products Offers a Full Line of Movers and Tugs

Electric movers and tugs such as our popular CartCaddy reduce labor costs and workplace injuries by allowing a single employee to safely move loads of hundreds and even thousands of pounds. Visit our website for more information.

What’s Shaping the Trucking Industry’s Future?

Caravan of white trucks on highway
Trucking Industry

The trucking industry in the United States is more than a century old, yet it continues to change along with the times. Here are some of the major trends that will impact the future of transportation in 2017.

1. More Productive Vendor Relationships

As trucking companies continue to deal with labor shortages and other obstacles, they will rely increasingly on trusted vendors for advice and solutions. Thanks to a varied customer base, vendors get a broad view of the industry and you can benefit from their greater perspective.

2. Greater Integration of Technology

Improving efficiency and profitability is a permanent goal of all trucking companies. GPS and other sophisticated technology provide a valuable advantage in cost-effective measures such as mapping the best routes and planning optimum truckloads.

3. Self-Driving Vehicles

Automation took a huge step forward last year as a San Francisco startup owned by Uber made a delivery of beer to Colorado using a self-driving truck. Odds are slim that the trucking industry will become completely automated, but it’s another new technology that you should evaluate for possible benefits to your company.

4. Changing Regulations

The government is also adapting to the ever-shifting landscape of the transportation industry. Regulations are created, changed and discarded in order to cover worker safety, environmental issues and other pressing concerns, and you can’t afford to fall behind.

Trailer Mover to Pull Semi Trailers from DJ Products

Our battery-powered trailer mover to pull semi trailers is safe, eco-friendly and economic, allowing a single employee to move loads of up to 100,000 pounds. Visit our website to learn more.

Can You Avoid Workplace Injuries? What You Need to Know.

Wounded warehouse worker lying on the floor
Avoid Workplace Injury

Perfection is an admirable goal but an unattainable standard. While you can’t completely eliminate workplace injuries, you can effectively reduce risk by following these safety tips that apply to any business or industry.

1. Maintain a Clean Workplace

Cleanliness is more than just a matter of eye appeal. Untidy workplaces can force employees to operate in a constricted space that doesn’t allow for free movement. In addition, clutter can cause obstacles that result in tripping, twisting and other accidents.

2. Conduct Ongoing Training

Training should include instruction in proper safety procedures as well as job duties. Periodic refresher courses reinforce good habits and keep employees up-to-date on the latest safety methods.

3. Avoid Shortcuts

Saving a bit of time here and there is not worth the risk of incurring serious injuries. Make sure your employees are not sacrificing safety in pursuit of greater efficiency.

4. Encourage Accurate Reporting

Employees may be reluctant to report accidents and injuries for fear of losing work time or being blamed for the problem. Emphasize the importance of accurate reporting so that injuries can receive medical attention and safety hazards can be corrected.

5. Provide Proper Equipment

Many workplace injuries are caused by poor body mechanics due to improper equipment. It’s well worth the investment to supply your employees with quality equipment that relieves stress on muscles and joints.

Create a Safer Workplace with the WasteCaddy from DJ Products

The trash room is one of the more dangerous places in any workplace. Our WasteCaddy allows a single employee to safely move the heaviest dumpsters. Visit our website to learn more from our knowledgeable sales engineers.