Marc DigitalParc, Author at DJ Products

Warehouse Injuries Statistics for 2021 – Amazon is a Dangerous Place to Work

Warehouse Safety

Not surprisingly, warehouse workplace injuries are a frequent occurrence. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, freight, stock and material movers are second only to healthcare workers in the number of incident-related days away from work.

Many companies take steps to protect employees with stronger on-site safety protocols. But a recent report indicates this may not be the case at one of the country’s largest employers.

Amazon: A Question of Safety

The Strategic Organizing Center (SOC) is a coalition of four major labor unions that represent more than four million workers. In their published report, based on 2021 data from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), SOC turned the spotlight on Amazon’s questionable safety record.

Incredibly, while Amazon employs only one-third of warehouse workers, they accounted for 49 percent of warehouse injuries. Total injuries amounted to nearly 40,000, which is a 20 percent jump over Amazon’s 2020 injury rate.

How do Amazon’s numbers compare to the rest of the industry? The overall rate of serious injuries is 3.3 per 100 workers, which is nearly doubled by Amazon’s rate of 6.8 injuries per 100 workers. In addition, Amazon’s general injury rate of 7.7 per 100 workers far surpasses the industry average of 4.0 injuries per 100 workers.

Carpal tunnel, back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders comprise the bulk of the injuries. These are usually caused by repetitive motions that put undue strain on workers’ bodies.

Seeking Relief

Ironically, Amazon has proudly proclaimed its goal to become “Earth’s Safest Place to Work.” Authors of the report point to Amazon’s rigid quotas and “obsession with speed” as primary factors contributing to Amazon’s poor safety record.

For their part, Amazon workers have been campaigning to unionize the facilities, driven in part by unacceptable working conditions. Another motivation? As workplace injuries were on the rise, so were company profits, by approximately the same rate.

Protect Employees from Warehouse Workplace Injuries

Our eco-friendly tugs, movers and pushers are easy to use and reduce the physical strain of workplace activities. Contact DJ Products at 800.686.2651 or use our handy online chat feature and let our Sales Engineers help you find the right solution for your application.

Common Warehouse Workplace Injuries and Risks

Warehouse Risk Reduction

Thanks to the boom in e-commerce sales, warehouse employment in the United States is at an all-time high. Unfortunately, warehouse workplace injuries continue at an alarming rate, affecting four to five of every 100 workers.

These injuries can take a long-range toll on workers’ health while severely impacting company productivity. Here’s a look at some of the top risk factors behind the most common injuries.

Common Causes of Warehouse Workplace Injuries

- According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), forklifts are number one on their “hit list” of most frequent safety standard violations. Other moving machinery, such as conveyor belts, creates danger points as well.
- Warehouse work involves almost constant repetitive motions, such as reaching, stretching and lifting. The cumulative effect places significant wear and tear on muscles, tendons and nerve tissues that never has a chance to heal. Doctors often refer to this as cumulative trauma disorder (CTD), and over time it can lead to chronic discomfort and loss of mobility.
- In the short term, physical exertion of maneuvering heavy objects can result in strains, sprains and other musculoskeletal injuries, particularly involving back muscles and vertebrae.
- Falling objects are generally due to improperly stacked materials or faulty shelving and supports. Forklifts can also play a part in these types of injuries, if they are used improperly and cartons fall off the forks.
- Solid ground presents its own forms of danger. Workers may slip on wet floors or trip over obstacles in the aisles, especially if the warehouse is poorly lit. While general maintenance is important, OSHA also has regulations covering guards for wall and floor openings.
- Hazard communication is another one of OSHA’s top safety violations. When dangerous warehouse areas are not visibly marked according to OSHA standards, workers run the risk of electric shock or exposure to toxic substances.

DJ Products: Putting Safety First

Make workplace safety a priority in your company culture. DJ Products features an extensive line of electric tugs, movers and pushers for every application that help reduce common injury risks.

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.

Four Easy Steps to Institute Warehouse Ergonomics

Improve Warehouse Ergonomics

According to the National Safety Council, workplace injuries cost upwards of $165 million per year in lost productivity and medical expenses. What are you doing to improve safety at your company? The trailer dolly from DJ Products is part of a four-step program for effective warehouse ergonomics.

Tips to Institute Warehouse Ergonomics

1. Streamline placing and picking tasks.

Placing pallets and picking orders are two tasks that keep employees in constant motion. Optimize the warehouse layout for a logical flow that minimizes travel time, particularly in high traffic areas.
Make sure areas where walking is not allowed are clearly marked.
Instruct employees to watch for damaged pallets and shelving and report sightings immediately.

2. Keep aisles clear.

Sequence orders to allow for sufficient floor space between pickers.
Slot SKUs in such a way to avoid congestion around the more popular items.
Integrate cleanliness in your workplace culture. Have employees participate in keeping their areas free of clutter and designate specific cleaning times during the day.

3. Organize the receiving and shipping area.

Make sure receiving bays are cleared of personnel when trailers are docking. Only designated employees should handle the docking process to limit foot traffic in these areas.
Inspect all materials for damage before unloading.
Install signage that clearly delineates areas that are off-limit.
Use our eco-friendly trailer dolly to move loads of up to 100,000 pounds safely and efficiently.

4. Implement ergonomically-designed equipment.

Repetitive stress injuries occur when people repeat the same motion over long periods of time. These are common in warehouses, where employees are performing the same physical tasks day after day.
Adjustable work benches, anti-fatigue mats, gravity flow storage racks, hydraulic worktables and platform systems are some of the products that can ease stress on overworked muscles and joints.
Ensure that all employees are trained on correct use of equipment as well as company safety protocols.

Improve Safety and Boost Morale with Movers and Tugs from DJ Products

In addition to our trailer dolly, DJ Products has a full line of material handling solutions that accommodate any application. Call 800.686.2651 to learn more from our friendly and helpful Sales Engineers.

Testimonial on the Aircraft Caddy

Aircraft Caddy pulling a helicopter

We’ve interviewed a recent customer to help give you insights as to why the DJ Products Inc. Aircraft Caddy is the best air tug on the market.

Q. What make & model of aircraft do you own and how were you moving it before the Aircraft Caddy?

A. An Augusta 109E – the helicopter is new to us, so we needed ground support that was appropriate.

Q. What didn’t you like about it how you were moving it?

A. The alternatives we considered were: 1) a tow-bar and tug which seemed cumbersome, 2) a radio-controlled wheel-tug, and 3) DJ Products Aircraft Caddy. The Aircraft Caddy seemed the most consistent with how we support other aircraft in the hangar.

Q. How did you find DJ Products Inc?

A. A fellow Augusta owner had an older model Aircraft Caddy and spoke highly about the utility.

Q. What was your experience in working with our sales rep on getting info, pricing and placing the order?

A. Our purchasing experience was seamless. We described our needs, and the company responded with a rational proposal.

Q. Was it easy to use and operate?

A. Describe experience in operating the unit? The Caddy works exactly as advertised. It is smooth, quiet, and more than capable of moving a 6500lb helicopter. Additionally, while we have several other larger tugs in the hangar, it is also occasionally useful to grab the Aircraft Caddy to move a Pilatus around.

Q. How has Sales Support been since receiving the unit?

A. Support has been wonderful. We had a defective tire that failed early in our ownership. The company overnight shipped an improved replacement, and we were back up and running quickly. This has been the only minor issue that required support.

Q. What do you feel is the biggest benefit of using the unit?

A. Cost savings? Injury savings? Efficiency? Safety? This is the perfect tug for an Augusta. It fits under the relatively low nose gear and clears the doors. The control position is far enough forward that an operator can see all the critical areas. It is a reasonable size and is not obtrusive – even when left attached to the helicopter.

Q. Would you recommend this tug to others?

A. This is an excellent product.

We invite you to visit our Aircraft Caddy page to review all our models models and read detailed specifications.

Safety Matters! Tips for Instituting New Safety Programs in Your Warehouse or Distribution Center

Dj Products Trailer Dolly

Keeping your employees safe from injuries and accidents in your warehouse or distribution center is vital to your business. These buildings are becoming even more important and busier as e-commerce continues to grow. The following tips can help keep your workers as safe as possible on the job.

Promote Lifting Safety

Workers should know how to lift heavy items safely in order to lower the risk of injuries. For heavy equipment and other items, consider having employees use a trailer dolly or other material handling solution that doesn’t require much lifting or physical strain on their part. This kind of equipment can allow employees to push or pull heavy trailers and other items without having to put themselves at risk of injuries.

Improve Training

Whether you’re bringing in new employees or implementing updated safety programs, the training process is crucial. Consider offering individualized training for new employees to make sure they’re fully prepared for the job, especially where safety is concerned. Having engaging training sessions on safety programs with new and current employees can make it easier for them to retain the information they’re learning.

Keep Safety Equipment Handy

Employees should wear appropriate safety gear, depending on the kind of work they do and what items they handle. Gloves, hard hats, and other personal protective equipment (PPE) can help keep workers safe from accidents and injuries in your warehouse or distribution center. Make sure these items are available in work areas and workers know how to properly use them.

Use Labor Management Software

This type of software can help you determine the amount of work that is required and when it needs to be done. Having this kind of software can help you save on labor costs while also ensuring that you’re not putting workers at a higher risk of injuries due to unnecessary labor. Instead, you’ll know how much work your employees should be doing at any given time.

If you’re looking into purchasing a trailer dolly or other equipment to make your warehouse or distribution center safer, please contact DJ Products. We have a wide range of material handling solution equipment available.

Tips for Improving Efficiency in Your Distribution Center Warehouse

Water Trailer

Having an efficient warehouse can help boost your bottom line and ensure that daily operations run smoothly. From overhead posts to worker productivity, the following tips can help you improve warehouse efficiency.

Increase Productivity

How long does it take your workers to move larger items or equipment around your warehouse? Finding ways to cut down on the amount of time this takes is a highly effective way to improve productivity. For example, having workers use a trailer dolly to move large equipment from one area to another can reduce the amount of time this takes. This allows workers to get more work done throughout the day, resulting in a lower risk of delays.

Focus on Safety

Improving worker safety is a good way to make your warehouse more efficient while also protecting your staff from injuries. When your warehouse has fewer injuries, your workers won’t need as much time off. Showing that you are dedicated to making sure your workers are safe also helps boost employee morale, which can improve productivity as well. For example, providing workers with better ways to move big pieces of equipment and other items around helps keep them safe.

Improve Inventory Tracking

Keeping track of inventory in your warehouse is important for efficiency. With accurate tracking, workers will know exactly where to find items when needed. You’ll also know when items should be restocked or reordered as they run low. For better efficiency, use technology to keep track of inventory rather than trying to do this by hand.

Reduce Costs

Finding ways to lower overhead expenses in your warehouse can help improve efficiency. Maintaining warehouse equipment, such as lift trucks or trailer dollies, helps ensure that it stays in good working condition on a regular basis. This help improve worker safety, raise efficiency, and lower expenses, since you won’t need to replace equipment as often. These cost savings can add up over time, allowing your warehouse to significantly reduce operating costs.

To learn more about trailer dolly options for your warehouse, please contact DJ Products. We can help you find the right solution for improving warehouse efficiency.

The RiderCaddy is Fit For Your Warehouse Needs

RiderCaddy

How much time could your employees save if they didn’t have to manually lug materials from one end of the warehouse to the other? Boost productivity and reduce risk of workplace injury with the RiderCaddy, one of the comprehensive line of movers and tugs from DJ Products.

Time Is Money

Even relatively small warehouses cover a sizable amount of square footage. When heavy carts have to be moved around, it takes time away from more important tasks. Multiply that by the number of people required, and you end up with a significant drain on productivity.

With speeds of up to five miles per hour, the RiderCaddy makes quick work of transporting materials from one spot to another. In addition, our battery-powered mover can be easily operated by a single person, which frees up other employees to handle crucial duties.

Improve Workplace Safety

Serious, non-fatal workplace injuries constitute upwards of $60 billion per year in workers compensation claims. According to a study by Liberty Mutual, overexertion is the leading cause of workplace injuries.

Pushing and pulling heavy carts puts undue stress on muscles and joints. Even without a specific injury, this excessive strain can cause wear and tear that results in chronic pain.

With the RiderCaddy, a person can easily move up to 10,000 pounds quickly and efficiently. There’s even a convenient platform that allows the operator to sit or stand while using the mover. The RiderCaddy’s compact size also provides great maneuverability through narrow passages and around corners, reducing the possibility of injuring extremities.

Top Features of the RiderCaddy

The three-battery, 36-volt power source is eco-friendly, with a single charge lasting approximately 16 hours. Recharge simply by plugging the mover into a standard 120/220 Hz outlet.
The ergonomically-designed variable speed thumb twist prevents carpal tunnel syndrome while allowing for smooth operation.
The safety stop switch brings the RiderCaddy to an immediate halt to lower the risk of accidents.

Choose Movers and Tugs from DJ Products

We have material handling solutions for a full range of applications. Contact us at 800.686.2651 and let our Sales Engineers help you find the one that’s right for you and your company.

Harness the Power of Electric to Move Your Compactors

RollOffCaddy

Moving dumpsters or compactors from one area to another comes with a risk of injuries when it’s not done safely. These heavy containers can also be time-consuming and difficult to move around in tight spaces. Using dumpster movers from DJ Products, such as the RollOffCaddy Container Mover, provides an efficient and safe way to move these around.

Move Heavy Dumpsters Easily

The RollOffCaddy Container Mover offers a convenient way to pull, or push roll off or self-contained dumpsters or compactors that weigh up to 50,000 pounds and lift up to 20,000 pounds. These dumpster movers run on either a 36 volt 3-battery system or 48 volt 4-battery system. Using these movers allows workers to move dumpsters with speeds between 0 and 2 mph in forward or reverse, even in tight spaces. These movers also work well on snowy and ice terrain and on inclines.

Gain Important Benefits

Using the RollOffCaddy Container Mover can help improve safety in the workplace, which helps prevent worker injuries. In addition to protecting your employees, this can reduce workers compensation claims and insurance premiums for your company. Using this dumpster mover can also double efficiency in your company’s trash room. You can use these movers to store containers indoors during severe weather, then easily move them outdoors for trash pickup.

Choose from Different Options

The RollOffCaddy Container Mover is available in different models. Depending on your company’s needs, you can choose the 6K lift with 36-volt batteries or 48-volt batteries, the 15k lift with 36 volt or 48-volt batteries, or the 23k lift with 48-volt batteries. The standard features for these different models vary. Some include a 6 hp motor.differential transaxle, while others have a 3 hp motor/differential transaxle. All models come with a heavy-duty steel frame for durability, as well as drive tires, neutral throttle braking, and high-tech speed controller. Safety features on these movers include a safety horn, safety stop switch, and more.

For more information on our dumpster movers, please contact DJ Products. We can provide you with additional details on the RollOffCaddy Container Mover.

DJProducts Rail Car Caddy Make Easy Work of Heavy Jobs

RailCarCaddy

Railcars can weigh up to 250,000 pounds, making the job of moving them an intimidating and time-consuming task. Fortunately, you don’t need to put Superman on your payroll. Our Railcar Caddy from DJ Products lets a single employee handle the procedure safely and efficiently.

Electric Caddy vs. Diesel Movers

How are you currently moving railcars around terminals, yards and repair shops? Most workers end up relying on diesel-powered movers, which are expensive, bulky and require extensive maintenance. Burning diesel fuel also creates emissions that are harmful to vegetation and contribute to acid rain.

Our caddy is not dependent on fossil fuels of any kind. It operates on a standard 48-volt, four-battery system. Battery life extends eight hours or more, the length of most work shifts, and the charger can be plugged into a conventional 120/220 AC outlet. In addition, there are no fumes, vibrations or loud noises, making the caddy safe to use in enclosed places.

Ease and Versatility of the Railcar Caddy

Moving a railcar frequently involves more than one person, limiting productivity by pulling employees away from other important tasks. A single person can easily operate our caddy on their own, without any specialized training or license.

The mover comes equipped with a custom coupler that quickly connects to any railcar, and the front hydraulic lift transfers weight to the caddy for superior traction over surfaces such as flush tracks and lightly-packed gravel. Thanks to the unit’s compact size, it can be maneuvered easily, even with the weight of a railcar attached.

Standard and Optional Features

- Low-speed, high-torque motors and transaxle provide adjustable acceleration and braking for maximum control at speeds of 3 MPH in forward and reverse.

- The variable-speed thumb twist grip is ergonomically designed for ease of use with less stress on muscles and joints.

- Customize the caddy with safety horns, flashing pole and light, trojan batteries, enclosed chain guards and dual solid-drive tires.

DJ Products: Your #1 Source for Material Handling Solutions

Want to learn more about the Railcar Caddy and other movers from DJ Products? Call us at 800.686.2651 to chat with our cheerful and expert Sales Engineers.