Warehouse Safety Tips Archives

How to Teach Your Warehouse Staff Proper Lifting Procedures to Prevent Injuries

Improve Warehouse Ergonomics

“Lift with your legs, not your back” is an oft-repeated piece of safety advice for warehouse workers, but that alone isn’t enough. Did you know that, after the common cold, low back pain causes the second-highest number of work absences? Show your staff that you prioritize their health and safety by using a motorized trailer dolly and sharing these useful tips for proper lifting procedures.

Techniques for Safe and Efficient Lifting

Prior to lifting, warm up your back and legs with some simple stretching exercises. “Cold” muscles are tight and more likely to tear. Focus on the lower back, hamstrings, and Achilles tendons.
Have an idea of the approximate weight of the object and plan how you will perform the lift.
Enlist help if necessary. One advantage of a motorized trailer dolly is that it allows a single worker to lift and transport loads weighing thousands of pounds.
Receive training before using forklifts, hoists, or other lift aids.
Clear the path of any obstructions and make sure surfaces are dry.
When performing the actual lift, place your feet far apart with one foot forward and slightly to the side of the object for optimum balance. Be sure to grasp the item firmly with both hands, each one on opposite sides.
Pivot your feet to avoid twisting, which places undue strain on muscles and joints.
People often have a tendency to hold their breath with physical exertion. Focus on breathing naturally.
Keep the object being lifted in the “power zone” by holding it directly in front of you at waist level.
Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including glasses, gloves, and shoes or boots.
Avoid any moves that could pinch fingers or toes.
Aim for smooth and steady movement without jerky, start-and-stop motions.
Pushing a heavy load is preferable to pulling it.

Improve Your Safety Record with Our Motorized Trailer Dolly

All of our tugs, movers, and pushers are ergonomically designed to reduce stress that can lead to musculoskeletal injuries. They also operate under battery power, which benefits the safety of our environment as well. Contact us at DJ Products to find the right material handling solution for your application.

Safety Tips for Operating Electric Tugs and Dollies

Improve Safety with an Electric Trailer Dolly

Our Trailer Dolly is so efficient and easy to use that workers may start to take it for granted. Keep your workplace accident-free by sharing these safety tips for operating electric tugs and dollies from our Sales Engineers.

- Before operating an electric mover, conduct an inspection to make sure everything’s in working order. Does anything look off-kilter? Are all parts moving as they should? If anything even seems questionable, always err on the side of caution and report the possible malfunction to a supervisor.
- Whenever possible, face the direction of travel when operating a mover. If you do need to walk backwards, do an initial check to make sure the path is clear. Look periodically to avoid any sudden obstacles. Installing mirrors can help monitor blind spots.
- Keep all body parts, especially feet and ankles, clear of the mover. In case of emergency, don’t try to use your body to stop the mover. Engage the safety stop switch.
- Our Trailer Dolly and other movers are designed to maneuver well around corners and in tight spaces, but use caution when going up or down a ramp or incline.
- Make sure all aisles are free of pallets, cartons, trash and other obstructions.
- Create clearly delineated pedestrian walkways to keep foot traffic out of the way of movers. Our movers have optional safety lights and light poles to increase visibility.
- Keep floors well-maintained. Clean up spills promptly and repair cracks, bumps, holes and other hazards.
- Ensure all new employees are fully trained in operating electric tugs, pushers and movers. Conduct ongoing refresher sessions to help workers incorporate safety awareness in their everyday activities.
- Establish a regular maintenance schedule for material handling equipment to keep movers in good shape and catch problems early.

Make Workplace Safety a Priority with the Trailer Dolly

Do you have a goal to reduce workplace injuries? Our battery-powered tugs, movers and pushers do all the heavy lifting, so a single worker can transport loads weighing thousands of pounds with ease. They’re also ergonomically designed to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive-motion injuries.

Essential Warehouse Ergonomic Safety Tips from OSHA

Warehouse work carries a significant risk for musculoskeletal disorders, or MSDs. Lifting heavy objects, using awkward body postures, and repetitive motions are a few of the factors that place undue stress on muscles, ligaments and tendons.

Our ergonomically designed Trailer Dolly helps reduce the number of costly work-related injuries. Here are some other useful ergonomic safety tips from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

1. Provide management support.

When management demonstrates a sincere concern for worker safety, employees are more likely to make it a priority as well. Make sure managers define and communicate safety goals and conduct regular training in safety best practices.

2. Solicit employee feedback.

No one understands the hazards of the workplace better than those who are actually performing the job functions. Encourage employees to speak up about safety concerns and offer ideas for possible solutions.

3. Use proper equipment.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than one-third of workplace injuries involve the back and shoulders, largely due to lifting heavy objects. Implement equipment, such as our electric Trailer Dolly, that’s designed to handle large loads and take stress off of workers.

4. Evaluate work flow.

Take a close look at the warehouse layout as it relates to work flow. Are employees having to reach across long distances or stoop over to perform certain tasks? Make any necessary adjustments to work stations that will allow employees to maintain neutral positions as much as possible.

5. Use personal protective equipment.

Personal protective equipment, or PPE, is a practical solution to minimize warehouse safety hazards.

Padding protects against damaging contact with sharp edges, hard surfaces and vibrating structures.
Thermal gloves allow workers to get a firm grasp on items, even in cold conditions.
Steel-toe work boots protect feet from falling objects and provide sturdy footing on slippery or uneven floors.

For maximum protection, make sure PPE fits well and workers wear the gear properly.

Avoid Workplace Injuries with Our Trailer Dolly

DJ Products carries a full range of battery-powered tugs, movers and pushers that provide safe material handling solutions for any application. Contact us to learn more from our friendly and experienced Sales Engineers.

Top Tips on Avoiding Warehousing Accidents

Reduce Warehousing Accident

Do you have a goal to reduce the number of workplace accidents in your warehouse this year? Proactive safety measures, such as use of our electric Trailer Dolly, boost employee morale and improve productivity. Here are some helpful tips to reduce the risk of warehousing accidents.

1. Use proper equipment.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, back injuries make up 20 percent of workplace injuries. Ease the strain on workers by providing them with a Trailer Dolly and other appropriate safety equipment.

2. Promote education and awareness.

Is safety part of your workplace culture? Ongoing training, visible signage and regular communication help employees to integrate safety awareness in their daily activities.

3. Use proper shelving procedures.

Pallet rack collapse is one of the top causes of warehouse injuries. This can be due to either structural damage or improper procedures, such as overloading pallets. Conduct regular inspections of pallet racks and instruct workers in the correct way to stack and move pallets.

4. Conduct fire safety drills.

Fire drills aren’t just for schools. Warehouse fires cause an average annual cost of $283 million in property damages and personal injuries. Regular fire drills are the best way to ensure that workers know what to do and alarms are in good working order.

5. Have first-aid kits readily accessible.

If an employee does suffer an injury, prompt treatment can go a long way toward lessening the severity. Keep plenty of OSHA-standard first-aid kits on hand in easily accessible places, as well as a defibrillator in case of cardiac arrest.

6. Have good ventilation.

Breathing is something we take for granted until smoke or fumes make it difficult. Install exhaust fans to keep air circulating.

7. Enforce clothing standards.

A dress code usually invokes images of formal wear, but a safety “dress code” goes a long way toward reducing risk of injuries. Workers should avoid loose-fitting clothes and always use hard hats, goggles and other protective gear.

Reduce Workplace Accidents with the Trailer Dolly from DJ Products

Our battery-powered tugs, movers and pushers help to keep your workplace injury-free and productive. Contact us to learn more.

The Cost of Workplace Injuries Surpass $250 Billion

Workplace Injury Prevention

While Amazon’s rising warehouse injury rates may be grabbing the headlines, it’s hardly an isolated problem. Here are some sobering statistics about the industry-wide issue, along with tips for using our Trailer Dolly and other methods to reduce injury risk.

The High Cost of Workplace Injuries

According to Economic Policy Institute, a non-profit think tank, workers at U.S. companies incur an average of 23,000 on-the-job injuries each day. That adds up to 8.5 million injuries per year at a cost of more than $250 billion.

As a result, many companies are investing heavily to make warehouses a safer place to work. But where should these funds be directed? Here are suggestions for targeted steps to improve working conditions and promote safety awareness.

Creating a Safer Warehouse

1. Use accurate data collection methods.

Are you still relying on manual documentation? Incorporate the Internet of things (IoT) and warehouse management systems (WMS) that allow for accurate data that’s connected across a number of platforms.

2. Develop effective training programs and best practices.

Over the last couple of years, labor shortages have forced several companies to put new hires to work with little or no training. Institute a comprehensive training program and make sure workers demonstrate a certain level of competency before letting them work independently.

Other techniques include:

- Analyzing data to determine where maximum efficiency intersects with minimum injury risk
- Supply workers with wearable tech that can alert them to potentially unsafe situations, such as proximity to harmful substances or incorrect lifting postures
- Make safety part of your company culture and encourage workers to report injuries promptly, without fear of negative consequences

3. Make proper use of automation and infrastructure.

Sometimes, potential gains through use of automation can actually be offset by increased risk of injury. When workers need fewer motions to complete a task, they can become more prone to musculoskeletal injuries such as sprains and back pains. Invest in tools like our Trailer Dolly, which is ergonomically designed to reduce repetitive motion and overexertion injuries.

Material Handling Solutions for All Application

Want to learn more about our Trailer Dolly and other tugs, movers and pushers? Contact us at 800.686.2651.

Prevent Injuries with Our Warehouse and Distribution Center Safety Tips

Plastic Pallets for a Safer Workplace

Benjamin Franklin famously said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Nowhere is this more applicable than in a warehouse or distribution center, where our Trailer Dolly and these practical tips can help prevent costly workplace injuries.

Don’t Miss the Forest for the Trees

Some workplace incidents, such as forklift accidents, can result in serious and even life-threatening injuries. As a result, companies often focus on prevention of these types of occurrences.

Unfortunately, minor injuries, such as sprains and cuts, may be overlooked and considered an unavoidable side effect of warehouse work. In reality, such injuries can add up to the point where they create a negative impact on employee morale, workplace productivity and company profitability.

Injuries that fall in this category include:

- Sprains and strains from overexertion and repetitive movements, frequently affecting the lower back
- Cuts and splinters, which are easily treated but can lead to serious infections when exposed to the non-sterile environment of a warehouse or distribution center
- Slips, trips and falls may cause minor embarrassment and major physical injuries

Tips to Prevent Workplace Injuries

1. Switch to Plastic Pallets

Many musculoskeletal injuries come from lifting heavy items. Plastic pallets are lightweight, well within the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, and their smooth lines eliminate splinter hazards.

2. Institute a Program of Ergonomic Evaluation and Training

Handling small items can still cause injury if a worker is using poor form. Provide ongoing training in ergonomic practices and have managers review common daily tasks to see where there’s room for improvement. Check with your insurance carrier for any safety training programs they may offer.

3. Equip Workers with Protective Gear

The body’s extremities are some of the more vulnerable areas. Sturdy, rubber-soled boots protect feet from cuts and bruises as well as help prevent slips and falls, while plastic gloves safeguard cuts and splinters in hands and keep others from occurring.

Trailer Dolly and Other Eco-Friendly Material Handling Solutions

Boost workplace morale by demonstrating your commitment to employee safety. Contact us at 800.686.2651 to learn which of our comprehensive selection of tugs, movers and pushers is best suited for your specific application.

Do You Know These Warehouse Safety Tips?

Warehouse Safety Tips

Warehouse workers face risks of injuries when they operate equipment, pull heavy loads, and perform other tasks. Maintaining a safe workplace environment in your warehouse should be a top priority in order to protect your employees. Consider the use of a trailer dolly or warehouse tug to prevent injuries. The following warehouse safety tips can help you provide a safe working environment for your staff.

Keep PPE Available at All Times

Personal protective equipment for workers should always be available in your warehouse. Your workers should also be aware of when to use PPE and how to use it properly. The use of PPE helps reduce the risk of injuries in your warehouse.

Hold Safety Equipment Training Sessions

Having safety equipment in your warehouse isn’t enough to guarantee that it will be used correctly. Schedule training sessions to make sure that your workers know how to operate or use safety equipment correctly. A trailer dolly is easy to operate and does not need intensive training. From time to time, hold retraining sessions or refresher courses.

Teach Vehicle Awareness to All Staff

Office staff and staff in other areas of your facility need to be trained on vehicle awareness as well. This helps cut down on accidents that can happen when these employees are on the warehouse floor instead of in their office.

Create an Efficient and Safe Layout

Your warehouse floor should have a layout that reduces the risk of collisions or accidents when forklift trucks or other vehicles are being operated. Make changes to your current layout as needed in order to keep workers walking on the floor from being in or near the path of vehicles.

Put in Physical Barriers

If you don’t have barriers already, consider installing them in your warehouse. Physical barriers, such as guard rails, help separate vehicles lanes or areas from areas where workers walk around. These barriers can help lower the risk of accidents in your warehouse.

Install Sensors and Other Visual Barriers

Sensors and other kinds of visual barriers can serve as another layer of protection for warehouse employees. These barriers might alert forklift operators or other vehicle operators to the presence of workers walking in certain areas.

For more warehouse safety tips and to find solutions that help improve safety in your facility, visit DJ Products. We are highlighting the Trailer Dolly this week. Ask us for a video demo or more information today.

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.

Lidar Technology Being Used to Improve the Safety of Warehouse Robots

New Technology Arrives in Warehouses

Robots are the ultimate material handling equipment, but their application in the warehouse environment is still limited. While robotic workers are being developed to handle increasingly sophisticated tasks, they lack the ability to sense and react to their surroundings.

This obstacle may be overcome soon, thanks to a Massachusetts tech company. A system known as lidar could be the solution for safer warehouse robots.

Solving the Problem of Robotic Safety

Lidar is a high-tech method used to detect nearby objects, much like radar, but it uses laser light rather than radio waves. While lidar has a a number of applications, it’s gained attention recently as a navigational system for self-driving vehicles.

Massachusetts-based Veo Robotics came up with the idea to use a similar system with industrial robots. Veo’s proprietary lidar program generates real-time 3D maps of warehouses and factory workspaces. The data is used to stop robots if humans are approaching or the robots can’t sense what’s going on around them.

Lidar Hits the Industrial Market

In late 2017, Veo raised $12 million in capital from venture investment firms to finance their project. Kuka is one of several robotics companies allowing Veo to test their technology on their machines.

The completed system is expected to begin shipping to customers this year. At $40,000, the system is roughly one-tenth of the cost of industrial robots and requires less than a day for installation.

Veo co-founder Patrick Sobalvarro projects $1 billion in annual revenue within five years. Sobalvarro hails Veo’s system as the “end of fear” around bulky but fast-moving industrial robots.

Let Material Handling Equipment from DJ Products Do the Heavy Lifting

Our material handling equipment improves workplace safety in any warehouse. Contact us for more information.