Trailer Dolly for Better Ergonomics
You’re probably familiar with the term “ergonomics,” but how much do you know about actually applying these principles in your warehouse? Our experts share tips on how use of our trailer dolly and other ergonomic techniques can reduce injuries among your warehouse workers.
Ergonomic Best Practices for Warehouse Tasks
In general, warehouse tasks fall within three broad categories. Here’s a look at each one, including the risks involved and ergonomic methods to minimize them.
Placing and Picking
Placing and picking usually refers to handling items that go on shelves or in bins, often while filling orders. The repetitive motions and body postures involved can cause undue strain, especially with heavy objects.
- Train workers to align themselves with the item’s location so they don’t have to twist their spine.
- Use proper lifting techniques, with the majority of work taking place between shoulder and knee height.
Packing
Once items are picked, they’re ready to be packed for shipment. The stress of repetitive motion comes into play here as well, along with the stress of moving heavy boxes, crates and pallets.
- Emphasize maintenance of a neutral posture. Neck and back should be straight, shoulders down, elbows held at a right angle.
- Use carts, conveyors and roller tables whenever possible to cut down on the excessive need to carry items.
Receiving and Shipping
In addition to moving pallets, receiving and shipping calls for maneuvering semi-trailers in and out of loading docks, doubling the risk of injury.
- Pallet jacks and other mechanical tools allow for smooth transport of pallets without forcing workers to handle most of the weight.
- Our trailer dolly lets a single worker move a wide variety of trailers, up to semi-trailers quickly and effortlessly, even in crowded warehouse yards.
Reduce Workplace Injuries with the Trailer Dolly from DJ Products
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, musculoskeletal injuries are twice as common in warehousing as they are in other industries. DJ Products offers a full line of tugs, pushers and movers to protect employees from injury and maintain a safer workplace.
Contact us at 800.686.2651 and let our knowledgeable Sales Engineers help you find the right solution for your specific application.