Protecting hearing and preventing hearing loss

According to ISHN, hearing loss is the most common work-related illness.  It's estimated that each year, 22 million United States workers are exposed to hazardous levels of noise.  By developing a hearing loss prevention program, companies can reduce this risk.

ishn.com

Noise-induced hearing loss is the most common work-related illness in the United States. Each year, an estimated 22 million U.S. workers encounter noise exposures loud enough to be potentially hazardous. In addition to damaging workers' quality of life, occupational hearing loss can carry a high economic price to society.

What are the Risk Factors?

Occupational hearing loss occurs as a result of workers' exposure to loud noise. In fact, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that workers should not be exposed to noise at a level that amounts to more than 85 decibels (dBA) for 8 hours. The level of risk is influenced by several factors:

• Noise level – as noise level increases, the risk also increases
• Duration of exposure – the longer the noise lasts, the more hazardous it becomes
• Impulsiveness – noises that have very abrupt starts and stops (such as hammering, gunfire, or fireworks) are more dangerous than constant noise of the same overall level
• Intermittency – periods of relative quiet between exposures allow the ear to "rest" and reduce the risk

To read more click here.

Guest Post: How to create respectful tension for results

According to Landscape Management, there is a certain type of constructive tension that can be healthy for a business. This "respectful tension" stretches people to perform at levels they never thought were possible.



How do words like, conflict, confrontation, accountability, debate and tension make you feel?

Uncomfortable? Sure! I don’t blame you. Nobody enjoys confrontation. If there’s someone who does, I would avoid him at all costs. On the other hand, I’d like to suggest there’s is a certain type of constructive tension that’s healthy in business. I call this “respectful tension.”

One of the definitions of tension is, “To apply a force to something that tends to stretch it.” Think about a rubber band between your thumb and finger. The harder you stretch it the further you can shoot it.

I must confess that I’m not afraid of the word tension. I’ve earnestly worked and preached the benefits of this type of constructive tension for the growth of a business. I’ve learned through the years that for any individual, team or organization to reach its full potential, it has to be stretched and challenged continuously to set and achieve lofty goals. I’ve also learned that leaders must understand and accept this responsibility or it won’t happen.

To read more click here.

Electric Wheelbarrow: Move More With Less Effort

Power Pusher E-750 electric wheelbarrow

In order to safely maximize profits, you need the right tools. Made in the U.S.A., the Power Pusher E-750 electric wheelbarrow is a commercial-grade solution for safely moving and dumping loads up to 750 pounds with its 5 cubic foot bed capacity. It doesn't only offer drive assistance but also power-assisted dumping at the push of a button.

No workday is too long for the E-750. Its rechargeable battery works all day - up to 5 miles of travel on a single charge, noise free! Because it is battery-powered, the E-750 uses no fuel and runs emission free, making it easy to use in enclosed and indoor spaces without the dangers of exhaust.

Eliminate pulling, pushing and straining while reducing dangerous falls, slips hazards and injuries. Power Pusher's E-750 is ideal for unstable and time-sensitive loads and is ideal for commercial and construction contractors, concrete demolition, base prep and pours, masonry block and brick work, landscaping rock, retaining wall and pavers, sod and soil work, industrial material hauling and factory floor material or scrap building. It offers greater productivity with less manpower, faster and more efficient projects and solutions to your toughest and heaviest challenges.

Click here to watch the E-750 electric wheelbarrow in motion!

Happy Holidays and a Wonderful New Year

We hope you enjoy your holiday season with family and friends!

Best Wishes,
Power Pusher

Getting the decorations out by m_shipp22

Shipping Options Driving Consumer Purchases

Super Power Pusher at work

Shipping costs are increasingly a factor in holiday shopping. With the holidays almost upon us, how much are you considering shipping in your preparation? Does it involve more personnel, or technology upgrades? The excerpt from the Material Handling & Logistics article below examines the impact of shipping costs.

Consumers consider shipping options—including free shipping—to be an important factor in their overall shopping experience, according to 80 percent of those responding to a recent survey commissioned by Pitney Bowes Inc. The survey polled consumers on attitudes toward shipping through all channels, including in store, online, catalog, and phone.

“Shipping has become a considerable factor in consumers’ buying choices,” said Jim Hendrickson, vice president and general manager of shipping solutions, Pitney Bowes. “In fact, there’s now a blurred line between the decision on a shipping method and the selection of a product when it comes to the overall buying decision.”

The survey found free shipping is by far more important to Americans surveyed over fast shipping (77 percent vs. 19 percent). That number spikes further among those who’ve shipped a purchase in the last year (82 percent vs. 16 percent, respectively).

Read the rest of the article on MHLnews.com.

Conventional Material Handling Methods: Forklift Trucks

Forklifts are a more convenient alternative to manpower that lacks the physicality of manual labor by mechanically lifting and moving heavy loads; however, they do present a separate set of safety concerns. Congestion on the plant floor, reduced load control, vehicle instability and polluted air emissions are just a few of the potential risks associated with forklift truck operation.

Due to the instability of their design, forklift trucks can overturn from overload, incorrect load positioning, operator errors or poor maintenance—putting drivers at life-threatening risk. Further, forklifts increase the risk of collisions. By moving at high speeds throughout the facility, forklifts not only run the risk of striking other forklifts, but also increase hazards for employees. Additionally, ergonomic deficiencies also lead to potential injuries. Uncomfortable seating and poor shocks can cause operators to suffer back, neck and arm pain induced by exerting excessive physical effort to compensate for vehicle vibrations.

Forklift trucks can also impact the indoor air quality of the facility. These vehicles emit exhaust gasses that pollute the air within the facility, subsequently forcing occupants to breathe in these toxins. This will eventually lower the air quality for the building and poor indoor air quality can have significant health consequences, such as causing or exacerbating respiratory disorders, fatigue, headaches and more.