Trailer Dolly Archives - Page 6 of 7

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.

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.

Move Heavy Trailers with the Cart Caddy Wagon Wheel

CartCaddy Wagon Wheel

Pulling or moving heavy carts or trailers should always be done carefully to prevent them from tipping over or causing injuries. When you’re exploring options for a safe way to move this type of equipment around, consider the CartCaddy WagonWheel Shorty Tug from DJ Products. Learn more about these tugs.

Why Choose the CartCaddy WagonWheel Shorty Tug

This tug is able to pull or move trailers and carts that weigh up to 3,000 pounds smoothly and safely. The tug’s wagon wheel steering system provides an easy way to maneuver carts and trailers with heavy loads on them without having to worry about accidents or injuries. Whether you have equipment with a pin, pintle, or ball hitch, you can attach the CartCaddy WagonWheel Shorty Tug securely. Using this tug helps reduce the risk of injuries when employees move or pull heavy carts or trailers. This helps keep employees safe while also lowering the risk of damage to products or equipment.

Variable Speed

What kinds of features does the CartCaddy WagonWheel Shorty Tug have? These tugs are able to move between 0 and 3 miles per hour in forward or reverse. The feature an ergonomically correct variable speed, which can help lower the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. This design also makes it easy for employees to move or pull carts and trailers smoothly, even while making intricate moves. The tug allows loads to be turned 90 degrees without tipping over.

Reliable Battery System

They also have a 36-volt battery system with three 12-volt batteries and come with a charger that works with 120/220 Hrz. outlets. The battery system can give you up to 16 hours of continuous use before needing to be charged up again. This provides plenty of battery power for a full work day or two shifts.

Safety Stop Switch

This feature on the back of the handle bar box allows employees to stop the tug right away in order to prevent injuries. This helps ensure that employees stay safe while operating the CartCaddy WagonWheel Shorty Tug.

To request a demo of the CartCaddy WagonWheel Shorty Tug or for more information, please contact DJ Products.

Move Trailers Easily With Precision and Control Utilizing the Electric Trailer Dolly

Trailer Caddy Terminal Tractor

Semi-trailers keep businesses moving by transporting goods, but who moves the trailers? Thanks to the electric trailer dolly from DJ Products, a single employee can easily shuttle these heavy vehicles from one spot to another for maximum productivity.

Today’s Solution for Moving Heavy-Duty Loads

The efficiency of distribution centers and warehouses depends on how quickly they can get semi-trailers loaded and unloaded. Every minute spent moving a trailer back and forth from the lot to the loading docks takes precious time away from the major job at hand.

If you use a shunting service, you already know how much those charges eat up your budget. Even if you own your own shunt truck, fuel and maintenance costs add up, and gas-powered vehicles significantly increase your carbon footprint.

With our series of trailer dollies, one person can move trailers weighing up to 100,000 pounds. No special licensing is required, and employees can get up to speed on operating the trailer dolly with a minimum of training. All our dollies run on battery power, so they’re eco-friendly and need little maintenance.

Trailer Dollies for Any Application

Our trailer dollies aren’t limited to warehouse and distribution center applications. Do you own a boat or RV dealership? Maybe you have a garage where mechanics work on large vehicles, or a production line that involves moving vehicles along the line and onto lots.

If you have a large vehicle that needs to be moved, DJ Products has an electric dolly that’s up to the job.

- Our TrailerCaddy Terminal Tractor can handle semi-trailers weighing up to 100,000 pounds, making it a perfect yard truck.

- The TrailerCaddyHD Chain Drive, with its ability to move king pin, pintle and covered equipment trailers, is well-suited for use at RV and camper dealerships along with military bases.

DJ Products: Your #1 Material Handling Experts

DJ Products specializes in material handling solutions for a wide range of industries, from manufacturing and hospitality to transporation and military/DoD.

How can we streamline your operations? Contact us at 800.686.2651 or use the online chat feature and let our friendly and knowledgeable Sales Engineers find the right fit for your needs.

Trailer Dolly Makes Quick Work of Moving Trailers

DJ Products Trailer Dolly

So, you need to move a full semi-trailer to the staging area for unloading, but no trucks are readily available. Precious time is lost as you hunt for a truck or some other option to fill in.

Does this scenario sound familiar? Turn these nightmares into a distant memory with the sturdy and efficient trailer dolly from DJ Products.

Why You Need a Trailer Dolly

Moving semi-trailers, boats, RVs and other large vehicles is a tedious and cumbersome job. In addition to a truck, the job frequently requires two or more employees handle the task safely.

Compare that to our trailer dollies, which come in eight different models and a wide range of configurations. Thanks to the compact size, smooth movement and ease of operation, these dollies allow a single employee to move loads from 1,000 to 100,000 pounds safely and effectively.

Features and Benefits

* All of our trailer dollies are battery-powered, making them quiet and eco-friendly. A full charge generally lasts for an entire eight-hour shift. Recharge simply by plugging the unit into a standard 120-volt outlet.

* The automatic safety brake engages when the dolly comes to a stop, holding tight even on an incline.

* Travel at speeds up to 3 MPH in both forward and reverse. Use the variable speed handlebar twist grip for smooth operation. The ergonomic design also cuts down on stress and strain that can cause repetitive motion injuries.

* The compact size and non-marking tires allow the trailer dolly to quickly and efficiently navigate tight spaces on any surface, including gravel, grass, snow and ice.

* We can adapt the hitch options to ball, pintle, gooseneck, kingpin, or whatever style of trailers you work with.

* No commercial driver’s license (CDL) is required for use. Any employee will be up and running with some basic training.

* Our trailer dollies aren’t just for trailers. Use them to move RVs and campers, boats and other heavy wheeled equipment.

Solutions for All Your Material Handling Needs

Whether you’re moving hospitality carts, dumpsters, carpet rolls or airplanes, DJ Products has the solution for your specific application. Call 800.686.2651 to learn more from our helpful Sales Engineers.

TrailerCaddy Terminal Tractor Lets You Use Regular Staff to Move Trailers – No CDL Needed!

DJ Products Highlights the TrailerCaddy Terminal Tractor

After nearly two years, the transportation industry continues to grapple with a shortage of available and qualified truck drivers, which is having a ripple effect on the country’s supply chain. Keep your drivers on the road and out of the yard with a TrailerCaddy Terminal Tractor from DJ Products.

Are Your Truck Drivers Actually Driving?

Just how deeply is this problem affecting companies? Ryan Dezurik of DJ Products relates a conversation one of our Sales Engineers recently had during a meeting with one of the top global event agencies.

According to the agency’s representative, “Hundreds of thousands of dollars are being spent annually to keep a CDL licensed driver on site to move trailers in and out of dock doors at their 39 locations across five countries.” This is time and money that would be better spent on actually transporting shipments from one location to another.

Save Time and Money with a TrailerCaddy Terminal Tractor

So what’s the solution? Our TrailerCaddy Terminal Tractor doesn’t require a specialized license for operation. As Dezurik explains, “The process to pull loaded trailers out of dock doors to stage for drivers and bring empty trailers into the docks for loading can be streamlined to help increase efficiency and save money.”

An In-Depth Look at the TrailerCaddy

Let’s take a look at what makes the TrailerCaddy a vital resource for any transportation company.

This streamlined yet powerful yard truck allows a single person to move trailers weighing up to 100,000 pounds.
The 48-volt battery system is eco-friendly and provides long run times.
Forward-facing operation and precise speed control improve safety and make it easier to maneuver trailers around the yard.
Cost is less than 25 percent of a new shunt truck and there’s no expensive maintenance.
No CDL or health card is required, so any employee can operate the TrailerCaddy. Eliminate wasted time waiting for a hostler or other specially qualified staffer.

DJ Products: Your Full-Service Material Handling Solution

Find out how the TrailerCaddy can save money and improve functionality at your company. Call 1-800-686-2651 or contact us online to speak with one of our Sales Engineers.

Watch the Video to See How Easy it Is to Operate

Find out more about the DJ Products trailer dolly line. We have wheeled cart moving solutions for trailers, cargo trailers, RV’s, semi-trailers, and boat trailers.