Safety and Ergonomics Archives

Mexico Hospital Holds US Citizen Hostage Over Unpaid Bills

Despite the passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, the United States has continued to struggle with the problem of spiraling healthcare costs. For one woman from Idaho, the issue crossed international borders and has taken on nightmare proportions.

Medical Care or Extortion?

During a vacation to Mexico with her sister-in-law, 67-year-old retired high school teacher Vikki Moormann began experiencing uncontrollable vomiting. Doctors at the Hospital San Javier Riviera Nayarit diagnosed Moormann with a urinary tract infection and the initial stages of pneumonia.

The story took a bizarre turn when Moormann claimed that the hospital wouldn’t allow her to leave until she paid her bill, which had risen to $40,000. A hospital representative denied the accusation, blaming the media and Moormann’s son Ryen for sensationalizing the situation.

The Situation Escalates

While Ryen attempted to raise the funds by setting up a GoFundMe page, Moormann was able to pay only $6,000 of the total charges. Moormann offered to make monthly payments, and her family contacted both the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Consulate, but nothing has been resolved.

In a conversation posted on his Facebook page, Ryen Moormann was told by another hospital representative that his mother would not be released until the bill was paid in full. When Fox News contacted Vikki Moormann, the phone cut in and out until they were informed that she was “busy.”

The Solution to Moving Heavy Hospital Carts

Whether your hospital cart needs are foreign or domestic, ask yourself if your employees struggle with moving hospital carts through busy hallways and tight quarters? Visit our website for information about electric tugs and pushers such as the CartCaddyLite from DJ Products.

Introducing the WasteCaddy Trash Hauler

How many injuries do your employees have each year? Are any of those injuries related to moving heavy dumpsters on the job? If they are, then you need a solution. Moving dumpsters manually is hard work, and it puts employees and their health at risk. A dumpster puller or a great product like our WasteCaddy Trash Hauler can keep them safe. It also offers you plenty of other benefits.

Saving Time and Man Power

How would you use an extra employee? What would your employees be able to accomplish at work if they had more time? A dumpster puller could give you and your workers back some valuable time.

One customer stated that having the right equipment is, “…like having another employee on staff.” She went on to say that now, instead of needing two people to spend eight hours a week on the trash, it only takes one.

Preventing Injuries on the Job

Many on-the-job injuries are related to moving heavy dumpsters. This can get expensive for employers, plus, they also lose valuable members of their teams. Having the right equipment, such as using a WasteCaddy Trash Hauler, can prevent those injuries from occurring. This keeps businesses much more productive, and reduces costs in many areas.

Saving Money

When you save time and prevent injuries, you’re also saving money. In today’s world, that’s a big deal. Employers can avoid shelling out thousands of dollars every year because of lack of personnel and workers comp claims.

Do you have questions about the dumpster puller or the WasteCaddy Trash Hauler? We’d love to hear them and get you answers. Contact us!

Technology is Changing the Face of Property Management

Times sure have changed since the typical property management equipment consisted of little more than a mop, broom, and screwdriver. Today, software runs the show behind the scenes.

According to a recent Cre.tech article about the most successful real estate apps, 88% of property managers are using cloud-based software. Apps can handle online rent collection, tenant requests for repair, new tenant screening and applications, vacancy listings, and more.

Cre.tech highlights three property management apps with various selling points:

• AppFolio, an enterprise level property management software-as-a-service

• Buildium, with an owner portal packed with financial reports plus a tenant-facing portal

• Cozy, a property management app aimed at landlords and small businesses

Venture funds and public offerings have injected hoards of cash into these tech companies, with the market’s most popular apps becoming extremely profitable. With costs as low as a dollar per tenant per month, this is technology that any size landlord can adopt.

Does Your Property Need More Software… or More Hardware?

The value of such apps mostly comes from small increases in efficiency thanks to reduced paperwork, streamlined rent payments, and digital record keeping.

Property management equipment can bring an immediate impact to your productivity and profits, too. A battery-powered cleaning supply cart can help condo staff do daily chores a little faster. With motorized dumpster movers, you can use one employee instead of two to handle waste collection — while also reducing the risk of worker injury claims.

DJ Products has the property management equipment solutions you need to achieve the profitability that is now possible with modern technology. Check out our WasteCaddy and other efficiency-boosting products for more info.

Are Military Contractors Being Helped Too Much by the Government?

Safety Should Always Be First.

Dating back to the mid-20th century, President Dwight Eisenhower predicted an unholy alliance between defense contractors, politicians and military brass. Today his vision has become reality, as fat contracts have taken precedence over the actual needs of our troops.

Profits Taking Priority Over Function and Safety?

The problems of a poorly-equipped military date back to the Civil War. Over the subsequent years, the level of dysfunction in the procurement process has grown to the point where 50 of the Pentagon’s 63 largest programs are over budget by a staggering $296 billion.

A military contractor equipment supplier faces little competition and even less outside scrutiny. As a result, contractors will often line their pockets by offering plenty of bells and whistles with no substance.

The stakes are even higher for military supplies and equipment than for most other products. If a refrigerator or computer malfunctions, it’s an inconvenience. With military items, problems can result in injuries or even deaths.

Reforming the Military Procurement Process

• Solicit input from the troops. The men and women who will actually be using the supplies and equipment are the true experts.

• Restore competition among contractors. Open up the process to companies outside the so-called Iron Triangle.

• Designate a centralized office or agency to provide the strong oversight that’s sorely lacking right now.

Full Line of Electric Tugs, Movers and Pushers for Military and DOD

Material handling needs of a military contractor equipment supplier range from engines and refueling tanks to explosives and aircraft. Call 800.686.2651 and let one of our knowledgeable sales engineers at DJ Products help you find the right solution for your applications.

Cut the Risk and Improve Safety When It Comes to Your Trash Room

Save Money and Make Your Workers Happy By Making Their Job Easier on Them and Your Insurance Cheaper.

Just as you can lower your car insurance by driving a safer car and avoiding accidents, you can lower your workers comp premiums with tools and strategies to improve dumpster safety. Besides the nightmare scenario of a dumpster tipping over and injuring an employee, your team faces an ongoing risk of repetitive stress and muscle injuries related to moving dumpsters.

How a Dumpster Pusher Can Help

When your employees move a dumpster or waste container, are they using manual force to steer and push it? Even on wheels, it takes a physical exertion that exceeds what the human body can comfortably perform. Both instantaneous injuries and long-term, built-up musculoskeletal disorders can put your worker on paid leave and increase workers comp insurance costs.

An automated dumpster pusher is the best way to improve trash room safety:

• Lower your Experience Modification Rating (EMR or E-Mod)

• Reduce workers compensation insurance premiums

• Keep your employees healthy and avoid costly time off

• Avoid high employee turnover and the associated loss of productivity

• Double the efficiency of trash room duties

• Manage the trash room in less time and/or with fewer employees

• Improve cleanliness and customer satisfaction at multi-family properties, retail, hospitality, etc.

The #1 Solution for the Biggest Injury Risk

Any business with a trash room or the need to move dumpsters can benefit from using a motorized dumpster pusher. In particular, rental properties benefit from using the WasteCaddy because trash-related injuries are the #1 risk for worker injury.

Tackle the trash room, and you can tackle your workers comp premiums. Contact DJ Products for a quote or demo of our WasteCaddy dumpster pusher.

Winn Companies Recognizes the WasteCaddy Dumpster Mover as a Best Practice to Reduce Injuries.

June 1, 2017 – Minneapolis, MN – WinnCompanies, the nation’s fifth largest multi-family property management company, announced today that they have successfully completed field testing for the WasteCaddy Dumpster mover, and that the company considers the use of WasteCaddy to be best practice for safety.

“The WasteCaddy has proven to be a valuable tool in reducing the risk of injury for our maintenance employees.” said John Tarrant, Vice President of Procurement & Sustainability at WinnCompanies. “The feedback we have received from the properties using the WasteCaddy to move trash dumpsters has been overwhelmingly positive.”

WinnCompanies have a strong commitment to employee safety, and the battery-powered WasteCaddy will become part of WinnCompanies industry-recognized “WinnSafe” program.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to work with WinnCompanies.” said Jeff Berg, President of DJ Products, manufacturer of the WasteCaddy. “The trash room is the most dangerous area in a multi-family property, and this product continues to prove itself as a best practice for eliminating injuries in the trash room.” Jeff went on to say that in order to reduce risk, a number of leading property management companies have modified their trash room policy to state that at least two employees are required to move dumpsters, empty or full. “The challenge here is that while requiring two employees is certain to reduce injuries, it has a negative impact on maintenance staff efficiency. The WasteCaddy allows one employee or any age, size or gender to efficiently move dumpsters by themselves. It is a huge boost to efficiency.”

DJ Products will be exhibiting at the National Apartment Association Show in Atlanta in June 21 to 24.

About WinnCompanies WinnCompanies is an award-winning national property development and management company dedicated to the highest standards of excellence. WinnCompanies acquires, develops and manages affordable, senior, mixed-income, market-rate, military and commercial properties through its three divisions: WinnDevelopment, WinnResidential and WinnMilitary. Founded in 1971 and now operating in 22 states and the District of Columbia, WinnCompanies is the fifth largest multi-family housing manager, the largest manager of affordable housing, and the second largest manager military housing in the United States.

About DJ Products

DJ Products markets and manufactures battery powered tugs and pushers that move heavy loads on wheels. For more information about the WasteCaddy dumpster mover or any of DJ Products other equipment, visit them at www.djproducts.com or call 1-800-686-2651.

Top Reasons Why You Need a Dumpster Mover

Save Money and Treat Safety First.

Do you think a dumpster mover is an unnecessary expense? Maybe you believe your employees can handle the job just fine. Here are three big reasons why you need a dumpster mover for your workplace today.

1. Safety

Are you aware that the trash room is the top area for injuries in a multi-family property? When employees manually move heavy dumpsters through tight quarters and across rough surfaces, they put themselves, and by extension you as their employer, at risk.

2. Efficiency

One of our satisfied clients expressed it best when she said that a dumpster mover from DJ Products is “like having another employee on staff.” It lets a single employee of any age, size and gender move a heavy dumpster with ease, freeing up the second employee for other tasks.

Battery-powered dumpster movers reduce another source of inefficiency. When employees are injured, they have to be replaced with someone who usually has less experience, costing you time and money.

3. Risk

The average trash room injury claim through workers compensation is $40,000. If that’s not enough to frighten you, the change in your Experience Modification Rate (E-MOD) can mean an increase to your insurance premium of approximately $120,000 over three years.

Save Money and Time with Dumpster Movers from DJ Products

Why continue rolling the dice with workplace safety? Our popular WasteCaddy dumpster mover can pull up to 5,000 pounds up and down inclines and across ice and snow.

Visit our website today and use the handy online chat feature to learn more about our full line of motorized dumpster movers from our knowledgeable sales engineers.

What Are the Benefits of a Focus on Ergonomics When It Comes to Trash Moving?

Have you looked at your trash room from your employees’ point of view? What looks like an efficient layout may actually be subjecting workers to undue physical stress, putting them at risk for injuries and reduced productivity.

An ergonomically designed workplace takes into account employees’ capabilities and limitations to ensure maximum performance with minimum strain. Here are some valuable benefits ergonomics can have for your company.

How Ergonomics Improves Your Workplace

Injury insurance claims have an impact on the bottom line that goes beyond the obvious. Roughly 33 percent of workers compensation costs are expended on musculoskeletal injuries, while lost productivity and other indirect costs multiply that by up to 20 times.
In addition to physical injuries, poor ergonomics can cause general fatigue and frustration. While employees might be healthy enough to work, they may be too tired and demoralized to put forth full effort.
Concern for your employees’ health and welfare promotes an overall culture of safety, which in turn improves morale. When employees feel appreciated, they’re more engaged in their work and less likely to leave.

Improve Worker Safety with a Dumpster Pusher from DJ Products

Our customers have discovered that a high number of injuries such as back and shoulder strains and pinched fingers were a result of moving bulky dumpsters up and down inclines and around tight corners. Bringing in temporary replacements unfamiliar with the job only made matters worse.

As one customer put it, using our WasteCaddyLite dumpster pusher is “like having another employee on staff.” Visit our website to learn more about how our ergonomically designed dumpster pusher can improve safety at your workplace.

Trash Rooms Are Dangerous Places!

Prevent Accidents From Happening!

Trash disposal seems like a simple job, so your employees may tend to let their guard down when working in the trash room. The truth is that there can be serious consequences if proper safety procedures aren’t observed.

Lack of Safety Leads to Tragedy

Sadly, a 56-year-old man in Palatine, IL became a fatality after entering the trash room at his apartment building. When Roger Mirro discovered that his cell phone was missing, he suspected he may have accidentally dropped it down the garbage chute. Mirro then headed to the trash room in the lower-level parking garage to search for his phone

Mirro’s wife returned home after an outing with friends and became concerned about her husband’s absence. The police were called, and they were directed to the trash room by a neighbor who said that Mirro had asked him for a key.

After searching the underground garage, the police found that the lock on the trash room door had been removed. Upon entering the room, they discovered a ladder propped up against the trash compactor and Mirro’s body, showing “obvious signs of trauma caused by the compactor,” was inside.

Our WasteCaddy Reduces Workplace Injuries and Down Time

Moving heavy dumpsters can result in a variety of injuries, which in turn increases your insurance premiums. The WasteCaddy from DJ Products is powerful enough to let a single person move dumpsters weighing up to 5,000 pounds, and it’s ergonomically designed to prevent repetitive motion injuries.

Visit our website and chat with our sales engineers about the WasteCaddy and our full line of battery-powered tugs and movers.

The Business Case for Investing in Equipment that Prevents Back Injuries

DJ Products Waste Caddy is an Investment in Your Employees’ Health

Data from an older article stated that on average, nearly 50 workers are injured during any given minute of the work week. The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) published a 2002 report that workplace safety programs benefit both your company and your employees. Fast-forward to today. This data makes a good business case that using WasteCaddy dumpster movers to prevent back injuries is a wise investment.

Safety by the Numbers

In that article, workplace injuries resulted in $128 billion in losses in 1996, which equated to 25 percent of pre-tax net profits. Even in today’s business environment, indirect costs can inflate direct costs by a factor of 20. Some of these include:

• Hiring, training and paying replacement labor

• Reduced productivity

• Investigation time and implementation of corrective measures

• Absenteeism and low employee morale

• Poor reputation in the community and industry

Many of these costs can continue long after the actual occurrence of the injury.

Raising Safety Awareness

The report cited a survey showing that employers buy into the importance of heightened safety practices regarding business and human costs. The top two reasons given were the cost of workers’ compensation insurance and the “right thing to do.”

There is real-life data to support the cost-effectiveness of safety programs:

• Companies have seen a return of up to $6 for every $1 spent on workplace safety.

• After investing in their safety program, a West Virginia coal mining company saw its workers’ compensation rate drop to $1.28 per $100 in payroll, compared to a competitor’s rate of $13.78.

Reduce Back Injuries with Electric Tugs from DJ Products

Our WasteCaddy dumpster mover enables a single employee to safely and easily handle one of the more labor-intensive tasks in the workplace. Call 800.686.2651 to learn more.

Tag: Safety and Ergonomics