Tag: Pushers

Is it Better to Push or Pull?

Do you remember watching Dr. Doolittle as a child? One of his animals was a double-headed llama named Pushmi-Pullyu. It had difficulty moving because both sides went in a different direction. The same question exists in material handling applications. When transporting items, is it better to push or pull?

Experts agree that pushing is clearly the more effective and safer choice. Pushing allows you to utilize force from your stronger leg muscles rather than relying simply on your upper body. Ergonomically, your body is also in a better position with your arms held naturally in front. When pulling a load, your arms are twisted behind you, placing undue strain on your back and shoulders. If you pull while facing the load, you give up visibility and increase the chances of slipping or falling. The load can end up getting away from you and running over your feet or knocking you down.

Whether you’re pushing or pulling, there are measures you can take to make the activity safer. Use these tips when transporting a load of any type.

  • Make sure the load is stable. If it starts to fall, don’t attempt to catch it. You’re more likely to injure yourself than prevent the spill.
  • Plan your path ahead of time. Avoid obstacles, slippery surfaces and any other element that could get in your way.
  • Whenever possible, minimize the distance you need to cover.

Take the guesswork out of transporting heavy loads. DJ Products has a full line of electric pushers and movers that are ergonomically designed to easily handle loads up to 50,000. Call 800.686.2651 and let our friendly Sales Engineers help you find the best solution for your application.

Reduce Turnover to Keep Your Warehouse Profitable

Warehouse truck works
Keep it Profitable

Efficiency can swing the profitability of a warehouse more than anything else. And as warehouse managers know, staying efficient requires a strong balance of process, labor, and equipment (like industrial tugs that automate some labor).

Employee turnover hits warehouses hard because workers build skills and get better and faster over time. New employees can be brought into the fold with a good process and helpful tools, but it’s always worth the effort to retain the good employees you already have.

Some great tips for reducing employee turnover from the Wall Street Journal are very applicable to warehouses:

  • Include “culture fit” during the hiring process. You can teach the job. Bad fits aren’t going to stay around for long.
  • Stay aware of competitive salary and benefits to avoid poaching.
  • Reward and recognize top performers, and offer upward mobility as a motivating tool for everyone.
  • Be accommodating with schedules when possible — working around special requests and approving time-off requests go a long way.

Be sure to consider the physical labor involved, too. Are your employees comfortable on the job, or would many of them prefer a job that is less tiring and difficult? Injuries and soreness can push an employee to look elsewhere.

Automated material handling solutions help reduce employee turnover by significantly improving the work environment. Industrial tugs can move inventory carts and haul equipment with minimal effort. Eliminate the strain of chronic back pain and other warehouse ailments, and your employees are less likely to look around.

Follow our blog for more warehouse management tips and check out DJProducts.com to explore your options for industrial tugs and warehouse cart movers.