Material Handling Equipment Supplier Archives - Page 2 of 6

Top Forklift Dangers and How to Avoid Them – Part One

Top Forklift Dangers and How to Avoid Them

With an estimated 1 million in use in workplaces around the United States, forklifts are an essential part of material handling equipment. These vehicles also carry an inherent risk of injury that calls for special safety measures during operation.

There are 20,000 serious injuries and 100 fatalities associated with forklift use each year. Make sure your employees are aware of the top forklift dangers and how to avoid them.

Forklift Turnovers

Nearly 25 percent of forklift-related fatalities are caused by turnovers. These types of accidents are primarily due to excess or unbalanced loads, but they can also result from traveling with the forks raised too high.

– Ensure that all loads are balanced and secure.

– Use caution on inclines and wet or slippery surfaces.

– Keep forks stationary when traveling.

Striking Pedestrians

Even when forklifts are traveling at slow speeds, pedestrians will almost always be on the losing end of a collision.

– Keep forklift and pedestrian traffic separated as much as possible.

– Restrict forklift use around time clocks, lunchrooms, exits and other areas of high foot traffic.

– Install workstations at a safe distance from aisles and protect them with physical barriers.

– Enforce safe driving guidelines such as stop signs, speed limits and use of horns.

Worker Pinned or Crushed by Forklift

The average forklift weights several thousand pounds. Approximately 16 percent of fatalities occur when a forklift pins or crushes a worker.

– Forklift drivers and passengers must be in a seat with seatbelts engaged.

– Riding on the forks should be absolutely prohibited.

– Drivers should always be on the lookout for hazards.

Protect Employees with Material Handling Equipment from DJ Products

Our best-selling CartCaddyLite and other battery-powered movers include safety features to minimize workplace accidents and repetitive-motion injuries. Contact us for more information.

Distribution Center Efficiency Tips – How to Drive Down Costs

Today’s most successful warehouse and distribution ventures know the key to maximizing profits and boosting efficiency lies in the right material handling equipment and operational tactics. What are the best supply chain engineers in the business doing to drive down costs?

Tried and True Ways to Boost Warehouse & Production Efficiency Include:

Vendor Compliance Reward Programs
Rewards, not punishments for non-compliance, offer incentive for all involved parties to contribute toward a more efficient supply chain. Developing a team mentality between your business, vendors, and 3PL providers is key. Small efficiency boosts can have a big impact on your bottom line over time, with success boosting profits for all parties. Where should you optimize?

– Reduced handling.

– Clear/specific labeling.

– Standard case quantities.

– Common product ID and tracking, upstream to domestic/offshore vendors.

– Speedier transportation.

– Resultant customer satisfaction ratings.

Shipping Notifications
Still relying on a ‘regular’ shipping/receiving schedule? You’re likely paying in staffing issues and delays. Advanced electronic shipping notifications through purchasing/inventory management functions can help you plan labor more precisely, optimizing fulfillment and transport activities to keep costs contained.

Automatic Data Collection
RF barcode and RFID systems remove the human error element of tracking. Each automated step is one less to manage, with the added advantage of data collection helping you make smart supply chain decisions.

Hands-Free Order Picking
The latest wrist-mounted RF units and voice pick/put-to-light fulfillment technologies accelerate picking.

Picking Waves
Preplanned picking waves with Tier1 WMS tech can boost route efficiency.

Material Handling Equipment
Motorized material handling equipment, such as cart pullers/movers, trailer and heavy equipment tuggers, boost efficiency and protect workers from costly injuries.

Looking for new ways to save? Boost efficiency and manpower with the latest in material handling equipment technology from DJ Products today.

Prevent These Four Common Warehouse Injuries

An ever-increasing number of retailers are relying on warehouse personnel to receive, store, and distribute products directly to end users. This results in an increased demand for warehouse workers. You can minimize the risks of warehouse injuries by incorporating efficient material handling equipment and being mindful of these four common warehouse injuries.

Falling objects and collapsing pallet racks

Forklifts can be useful when moving and lifting heavy loads. One person has an immense amount of power literally right at their fingertips. A slight distraction can result in someone being struck by falling objects or an entire rack of products. Consider having assigned safety personnel who regularly inspect racks and other areas where forklifts are used for potential dangers.

Forklift accidents

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 100 U.S. workers are killed by forklift accidents each year and another 20,000 sustain serious injuries. Reducing the number of forklift accidents requires worker training, ongoing safe work practices, and warehouse traffic management. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has tips to prevent injuries and deaths to people operating and working near forklifts.

Slips, trips, and falls

Approximately 15 percent of all accidental deaths are due to slips, trips, and falls. These accidents are common in all work industries. They are also among the easiest to prevent. All employees should be vigilant about reporting spills, damaged flooring, and other safety hazards. Managers must promptly correct any unsafe condition.

Overexertion injuries

Warehouse work involves pulling, lifting, and carrying products. Overexertion injuries are common and very expensive for companies. Provide your workers with energy-efficient material handling equipment specifically designed for busy warehouses. Contact DJ Products to consult with one of our sales engineers and schedule a free demo.

Hosting an Office Picnic? What Employers Should Know in Advance.

Make Sure Staff Knows the Rules for Company Picnics

Summer is a time to turn off warehouse equipment for a day and treat employees and their families to a company picnic. Make sure it remains a pleasant event for all by planning ahead to prevent accidents and other possible liabilities.

1. Attendance Should Be Voluntary

If someone’s not interested in participating, forcing them to attend won’t make it any more enjoyable. On a serious note, making attendance mandatory can imply that the event is “in the scope of employment,” thereby increasing liability.

2. Hold the Event Off-Site

Who wants to spend a social occasion surrounded by reminders of work? Host the event off-site and refrain from award presentations, business speeches and other work-related activities.

3. Enforce Company Policies

Attendees should still be expected to act responsibly. Remind everyone tactfully but firmly that harassment and other company policies guiding respectful behavior will be in effect.

4. Set Hard and Fast Rules About Alcohol

If you prefer to hold an alcohol-free event, proceed no further. If there will be alcohol allowed, keep in mind that this is the biggest minefield for potential liability.

– Hosting a cash bar can help limit consumption and remove you from the role of directly supplying alcohol.

– Take a zero-tolerance approach to underage drinking.

– Ensure that plenty of food is served, along with non-alcoholic beverages.

– If you won’t be providing transportation to and from the event, encourage people to have designated drivers and be prepared to arrange transportation for anyone who is intoxicated.

Turn to DJ Products for Top-Quality Warehouse Equipment

Studies show that job satisfaction is higher when workplace conditions are good. Visit our website and find out how our battery-powered warehouse equipment can make a difference in safety and efficiency at your warehouse.

Expectations – What Your Competitors Expect of Their Warehouse Employees

The “Right” Employees Boost Productivity

Any business that provides goods to customers, whether they’re consumers or other businesses, needs an efficient warehouse to process direct orders or supply brick-and-mortar stores. Employees work extensively with material handling equipment, but what else is involved in these jobs?

More than two million people in America are employed as order fillers in warehouse facilities. What do Amazon, Walmart and other retail giants expect from these workers, and how are they compensated?

Job Responsibilities

– Approximately one-third of order filling jobs are part-time status. Many of these are due to seasonal employment as companies ramp up for high sales periods.

– Many large warehouses operate 24/7, so employees should be prepared to work 10- to 12-hour shifts day or night, including weekends.

– High-tech radio frequency identification (RFID) scanners have greatly improved order-filling productivity and accuracy. Typical tasks include checking in received items, inspecting them for damage, picking customer orders and preparing them for shipment.

– Warehouse jobs require frequent lifting of items up to 70 pounds. Employees should be knowledgeable about how to recognize safety risk factors to minimize their chances of workplace injuries.

– While warehouses have heating and air conditioning systems, employees should be able to adapt to different temperatures, especially if there are refrigerated areas or freezers onsite.

Compensation

– According to recent figures, the median annual salary for order fillers is $23,840.

– Many companies offer healthcare coverage, which may include dental and vision plans, prescription coverage and parental leave.

– Tuition reimbursement, paid vacation time and 401(k) plans can be other features of benefit packages.

Are You Getting the Most from Your Material Handling Equipment?

DJ Products is a top supplier of high-quality material handling equipment that will raise productivity at your warehouse to the next level. Call 800.686.2651 for more information.

What Should be on Your List of Top Attributes for Warehouse Employees

What Should You Be Looking For When Hiring?

When you shop for warehouse equipment, you have a wish list of specific features you’re looking for. Shouldn’t you do the same for your warehouse employees?

Labor is your most valuable asset. Maximize productivity and minimize costly turnover by incorporating this checklist of top attributes of quality warehouse employees in your hiring practices.

Ability to Adapt to Different Work Environments

There’s no physical blueprint for skilled warehouse workers. They can be short, tall, thin or stocky. What’s important is that they feel comfortable working in different environments, regardless of location, temperature, or various other elements.

Familiarity with Warehouse Equipment

Working knowledge of power equipment used in your warehouse is a must, as well as appropriate licensing or certification for operating forklifts and other machinery. A strong candidate should also understand whatever warehouse management system your company uses.

Experience in Warehouse Procedures

At a minimum, your ideal warehouse employee should be skilled in the following procedures:

– Counting and cross-checking orders and shipments

– Picking and staging customer orders

– Reading and completing paperwork correlating to orders and inventory

– Loading and unloading trucks

Safety and First Aid Training

Workplace injuries are a drain on all your resources. Employees with current safety training are more aware of potential accident hazards and they’re ready to assist during an emergency.

Focus on Customer Service

Your workers represent you and your company. The best employees internalize a commitment to superior customer service and take a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Improve Workplace Operations with State-of-the-Art Warehouse Equipment

Help your employees to do their best by supplying warehouse equipment that makes their job safer and more efficient. Visit our website for information about our CartCaddyLite and other battery-powered tugs, movers and pushers from DJ Products.

Tips for Saving Space Creatively in Your Warehouse

Quality material handling equipment can increase productivity in your warehouse, but it can’t increase your workspace. If you’re not prepared to move to a new facility or make costly renovations to your present one, use these creative ideas to save space in your existing warehouse.

Add Over-Aisle and Over-Dock Storage

Installing beams over cross-aisles provides additional room for pallets. Over-dock storage is often used for cardboard boxes, stretch wrap and other supplies. Be sure to look for a racking system with high impact resistance to guard against the effects of forklift traffic.

Use Vertical Space

Raise the height of your racking system, either by purchasing taller uprights or attaching extensions to the current ones. You might also consider a mezzanine for holding slow-moving items.

Change Beam Levels

Compare pallet dimensions to beam spacing. If there’s more room than you actually need for pallet lift-off, you can gain space by realigning the levels.

Change Storage Mediums

Regardless of the items that are stored in your warehouse, not all of them move at the same frequency or in the same quantities. Review the inventory and incorporate storage mediums that are best suited to different categories of items.

Maximize Slotting Systems

Slotting software can help you create a system that maximizes storage space and minimizes congestion. As an added benefit, a more efficient slotting system reduces travel time by workers, resulting in greater productivity.

Material Handling Equipment for All Applications

No matter how big or small your warehouse is, battery-powered material handling equipment from DJ Products enables streamlined day-to-day operations and greatly reduces risk of workplace injuries. Our friendly sales engineers are standing by to help you find the right solution for your warehouse.

Call 800.686.2651 for more information.

Smart Tips for Hiring Pickers for Your Warehouse Operation

Having the right material handling equipment in your warehouse improves productivity, but high turnover rates can quickly negate those gains. Use these tips to recruit and hire qualified pickers and packers for a more stable workforce.

Encourage Employee Referrals

Current employees can often be the best source of quality candidates. Workers feel a sense of pride in making a contribution to the company, and they’re reluctant to risk their own reputation by recommending a substandard applicant.

Some companies offer a bonus program for referrals who are hired, but that can be a double-edged sword. Employees may be tempted to refer someone simply to collect the money, so think carefully before going that route.

Use On-Demand Staffing Platforms

As the industry moves toward more temporary positions, it becomes increasingly counterproductive to spend a lot of time vetting job applicants. On-demand staffing platforms have developed to meet the demand of companies that need pre-screened candidates who are prepared to accept a job immediately.

Fine-Tune Your Requirements

The more specific you are with a job description, the easier it is to find a qualified candidate who matches your needs. As an added benefit, a detailed job description can provide strong evidence against possible discrimination claims.

Offer a Competitive Starting Pay Rate

Research the market to get a feel for what other companies are paying workers for comparable skills and responsibilities. Review your starting pay rates frequently to make sure they’re not falling behind the rest of the industry.

Turn to DJ Products for Your Material Handling Equipment Needs

Employees feel greater job satisfaction when working conditions are optimized. Battery-powered material handling equipment from DJ Products demonstrates your commitment to a safe and efficient workplace. Call 800.686.2651 for more information.

Tips on Boosting Morale and Making Your Warehouse Staff Love Their Job

Does it feel like the air in your workspace is so heavy lately that even the strongest material handling equipment couldn’t lift it back up? If laughter in your workspace is but a vague memory, your employee morale needs a boost!

Low Morale = A Losing Business Scenario
Employee morale can make or break a company’s success. Low morale zaps productivity, amplifies grouchiness and lack of cooperation, and increases turnover. Keeping an eye on morale and strengthening it when times are tough are integral to helping your business achieve its goals.

Creative & Easy Ways to Strengthen Morale:

1. Help Employees Understand Their Work Serves a Higher Purpose.
It’s easy for employees to lose their sense of purpose in the daily grind. However simple postings of ‘I Got a Job’ stories from recently hired, grateful job seekers who snagged a spot with the company can help highlight the value of job positions.

2. Celebrate Accomplishments.
In your quest to get ahead, don’t forget to look behind, recognizing significant accomplishments of team members annually.

3. Give Employees the Chance to Recharge.
With adequate time off that grants an energizing break from regular responsibilities, whether in the PTO or creative office party arena. S’mores Friday, anyone?

4. Mix-It-Up.
Doing the same thing day-in-day-out is boring. Shake things up with office Olympics, ping-pong tournaments, or simple impromptu cookout lunches.

5. Have Fun.
Conduct a monthly lotto for participation in a card, board game, or Wii bowling match. Or reward workers with gift cards for play-days at amusement parks or other fun area events.

Boost morale by showing you care with ergonomic material handling equipment designed to prevent injuries, make work easier and more efficient, and reduce labor. Learn more from DJ Products today.

Are Your Hiring Practices Ready for 2018 Trends?

Finding qualified help to handle warehouse equipment and perform other vital jobs is one of the biggest challenges in the material handling and logistics industry. Experts weigh in on this year’s talent trends you should be watching.

People Analytics

Today’s incoming workforce has grown up with technology. People analytics provides specific and objective information for creating goals, making decisions and measuring progress.

Growth-Created Jobs

The rise of e-commerce has triggered greater expectations for efficient shipping and shorter turnaround times. Companies are seeking knowledgeable people in the areas of research and development, engineering, hardware and software.

Candidate-Driven Job Market

While job openings are increasing, the shortage of qualified labor continues. Companies are adapting their hiring strategies to become more attractive to potential candidates.

Explosion of Telecommuting

Working remotely is no longer an exception. By 2020, an estimated 40 percent of the workforce will be working remotely, whether from home or a third location.

Women Making Strides

Many companies are beginning to employ women in all levels of business. It’s a double-pronged solution to beating the talent shortage and bringing fresh perspectives to a mature but changing industry.

Social Media Is Here to Stay

Surveys show that 84 percent of organizations currently use social media in talent acquisition, with another nine percent planning on joining the pack.

Robots: Good News and Bad News

A recent report predicts that nearly 40 percent of today’s jobs will be filled by robots by the 2030s. On the plus side, this will create jobs for skilled workers areas such as engineering and software development.

Quality Warehouse Equipment from DJ Products

State-of-the-art warehouse equipment makes your company a desirable option for top job candidates. Visit our website to learn more about our battery-powered movers, tugs and pushers.

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