Posted by Carl Nattrass on Fri, Jul 09, 2010
For more information on PowerMate products or services contact one of our Solution Specialists at 1-800-697-6283 or leave your name and number and we'll contact you at your convenience
The value of ergonomics goes beyond health and safety. A good ergonomics strategy can add value to a company’s business strategy and ultimately contribute to your business goals of higher profits. An ergonomics strategy can effect profit drivers like cost minimization, productivity, quality, delivery reliability, responsiveness to customer demands and flexibility.
The evidence for a good ergonomics strategy is abundant in countless studies in North America and Europe that clearly illustrate the connection between profitability and healthy working conditions. Larger organizations take ergonomics seriously and have now been at this game long enough to know where to look for ‘bottom line’ benefits. The trick to making ergonomics work for your business is to start thinking of ergonomics as a business strategy that can contribute to business performance. One aspect of ergonomics that enhances efficiency is mechanization. What aspects of your business can be reduced, eliminated or modified to reduce or eliminate unhealthy or hazardous tasks? By removing hazard in the workplace (or substantially reducing it) you increase labor productivity, lower costs associated with injury and increase your profit.
A PowerMate®, our focus and area of expertise is power assisted movement of heavy goods – the very solution PowerMate® stair climbers and LiftGates were designed to solve.
At PowerMate we can help your business realize tangible business benefits through improved ergonomics and the mechanization of the movement of heavy goods. Our Solution Specialists can analyze current practices and costs and make recommendations that result in cost savings and improvements in productivity. Register for a profit analysis and a Solution Specialist will contact you at your convenience to get the process going. For more information on PowerMate® and our products call us at 1-800-697-6283 or visit our website at PowerMate®.info
Posted by Carl Nattrass on Tue, Jun 15, 2010
For more information on PowerMate products or services contact one of our Solution Specialists at 1-800-697-6283 or leave your name and number and we'll contact you at your convenience
- 1. Safety: Using a PowerMate® is the safest way to move boilers, hot water tanks, geothermal units, vending machines, safes, ATM machines, VLT machines and countless other awkward and heavy loads up stairs and on and off trucks. Factory authorized training ensures that the operator understands the capabilities of the machine under various real world conditions.
- 2. Efficiency: A PowerMate® can save time over other forms of moving, like using block and tackle for moving elevator motors for example. Understanding how best to secure the load on your PowerMate® can reduce the amount of effort on the part of the operator by ensuring the load is in a neutral balanced position making it easier to operate the unit on stairs.
- 3. Proper use of the Wheel brakes: The wheel brakes on the M-Series PowerMate® are engaged manually. Knowing when to use the brakes can make the difference in terms of safety but also in terms for efficiency. The Wheel brakes broaden the contact with the ground (or stair) and actually add leverage during a move. Training helps operators use the wheel brakes to their advantage. The Wheel brakes on the LE-1 model stair climber are hand operated and training will provide valuable information on when and why you should use them for the safe operation of the machine.
- 4. Eliminating damage to property: A PowerMate® provides the ability to be in complete control of your load at all time, reducing the risk of damage to property or your client's cargo. Training provides operators with tips and techniques on negotiating tight landings, broken stairs or uneven ground.
- 5. Tips and Tricks: Learn what we have learned based on 30+ years of experience in safety moving systems. How do you easier spin a 750 lb. load on its vertical axis? Training will show you how.
- 6. Get the most from your machine: The PowerMate® LE-1 is a motorized stair climber and a stacker machine. There are two drive screws, one for the wheels and another for the toe plate. This machine is very versatile in that it can ‘front load' or stack product on to a raised surface, like a hearth for example. Training will help operators get the most out of this unique and powerful machine.
- 7. Compliance: Ensure your operators feel confident with the equipment and they will be more likely to use it. This will save you money in time, labor and injuries. You might also make more money by freeing up labor to work on other jobs!
- 8. Profit: A PowerMate® projects an image of professionalism and is a value added feature of your service because you are actively working to reduce property damage as well as reduce the time required to install. Well trained operators who know and understand this fact are your ticket to more referrals!
- 9. Insurance premiums: The use of a PowerMate® has proven to reduce job site injuries, injury claims, property damage and damage to your client's product. Add to that PowerMate® training and you have a winning combination to negotiate for lower insurance premiums.
- 10. Reduced maintenance costs: Our training programs provide tips on how to keep your machine running in tip-top shape for trouble free operation for years to come. This will save you yet more money over the long haul.
Posted by Carl Nattrass on Thu, Feb 18, 2010
For more information on PowerMate products or services contact one of our Solution Specialists at 1-800-697-6283 or leave your name and number and we'll contact you at your convenience
All good employers take jobsite safety seriously as this makes good business sense. The cost of one lost-time injury can run an employer on average close to $29,000 in direct and indirect costs*. In the HVAC and plumbing industry, the majority of lost-time injuries are a result of physical strain resulting from moving heavy loads by hand or using a regular hand cart. Boilers, geothermal units, drain and sewer cleaners, AC units, heat pumps, cast iron bathtubs and large furnaces are usually the culprits. Some of these items can weigh over a thousand pounds and many need to be moved up or down stairs.
The traditional hand truck is not the ideal moving solution as the operator still needs to ‘lift’ the weight over curbs, on or off trucks or in the worst case scenario up or down stairs. The traditional hand truck is without brakes and requires the operator to keep the load in a balanced position - especially on stairs. This can result in the operator having to make sudden weight shifting movements to control the load and this is often where injuries can occur. The installer may suffer an injury that may go unnoticed until a subsequent unrelated activity cause the damage to become apparent. This can be particularly unfortunate if the trigger event takes place outside of the work environment and the damage is not classified as a work related injury. The answer, of course is to not get injured in the first place.
One way installers in the HVAC and plumbing industry can avoid injury is to source alternate means of moving heavy loads. There are several moving solutions available, the best of which are called ‘stair climbers’ or ‘motorized stair climbers’ which do the heavy lifting for you. The PowerMate brand of stair climber has several advantages over other systems. PowerMate manufactures and sells direct and has an excellent reputation for quality. PowerMate also has the best service and training program in the industry and understands the complex needs of independent operators, SME’s and large businesses alike. For example, PowerMate offers training programs designed to “train the trainers” which works well for large operators with fleet vehicles with multiple stair climbers (PowerMates).
Another advantage of using a powered hand truck is the greater range in terms of who can be an installer. Physical strength is much less of a factor; older workers and women are more likely to be able to install hot water tanks or geothermal units unaided. Injured workers can return to work faster using a powered lifting device as well. Your insurance premiums may drop as a result of implementing this very significant piece of PPE (personal protective equipment). One large home comfort HVAC company has mandated the use of PowerMates in all installations as part of their safety policy.
You can find more information on the PowerMate brand of motorized stair climbing hand trucks at www.PowerMate.info
*U.S. Department of Labor Statistics quotes a figure of $29,000 as the total costs to en employer from ONE lost-time injury; 2004
Posted by Carl Nattrass on Thu, Feb 18, 2010
For more information on PowerMate products or services contact one of our Solution Specialists at 1-800-697-6283 or leave your name and number and we'll contact you at your convenience
Today's post asks the question, " Itsn't there a better way to move residential boilers in and out of the basement other than by the sweat of my brow?" As luck would have it there is such a solution. The PowerMate motorized stairclimbing handtruck has been designed specifically to move heavy objects up and down stairs. A motorized stairclimber is an electrically powered dolly or hand truck that has one, or sometimes two drive screws that move the wheels of the dolly up or down the frame. This feature allows the operator to easily break the load back and rest it in a balanced position. What's more, the movable wheels are the key to the PowerMates ability to ‘walk' heavy loads up and down stairs and even on and off trucks.
The advantages of a system like this is that boiler installers can use the lifting power of PowerMate to carry the load for them, protecting not only themsevles from injury but also property as the load is always in a balanced position and in control at all times.
Another advantage of this type of safety moving system is that, as an installer, you have greater flexibility in assigning labor resources. A motorized hand truck, like the PowerMate shown at left, does all the heavy lifting for you, which means you don't need anywhere near the physical strength required to move boilers without motorized assistance. No pulleys or rigging required and loads can be maneuvered into place by one person (with training of course, again we are taking about safety here). So if it took three or four strong backs to move a 600 lbs. boiler before, with a PowerMate you can get the move done in a fraction of the time and with fewer people.
L P International recommends that for really heavy loads you should have at least two people on hand for safety when moving up or down stairs. Training is recommended to get the best value from your PowerMate and ensures the safe operation of the unit.
Posted by Carl Nattrass on Wed, Feb 10, 2010
For more information on PowerMate products or services contact one of our Solution Specialists at 1-800-697-6283 or leave your name and number and we'll contact you at your convenience
What kind of return can you expect from your PowerMate®?
With over 30 years of experience selling PowerMate Stair Climbing Hand Trucks to clients all over the world and in many different industry segments, we have a pretty good idea what kind of savings and revenue opportunities you can expect when using a PowerMate. This basic calculation will give you an idea of what to look for in return for items like labor savings, injury prevention, referrals, reduced property damage and increased efficiency. For more information about PowerMate products and services go to http://www.powermate.info/index.htm
The greatest potential for labor savings derives from the fact that a PowerMate stair climber reduces the effort to move heavy loads by over 87%.( A PowerMate does 100% of the lifting but there is still some effort in moving the load). This means that what might normally be a two or even three person job can easily be handled by one less person. Loads requiring four men for example may be safely handled by two with a PowerMate. This can affect your business in two important ways. The first is the direct labor savings resulting from a more efficient use of human resources or a lower cost per install. The other is the ability to re-allocate resources to do more installs.
The ability to do more installs depends upon the demand for your services but with a PowerMate you have the advantage of presenting a ‘white glove treatment’ image to your clients which will result in more referrals. With a PowerMate you are always in control of the load as the machine does 100% of the lifting. There is no strain on the operator and with proper training there will always be reduced frequency of damage to client doorways, stairs, thresholds, patios, floors and furniture. More referrals of course means more business for you and isn’t it great that you have a new PowerMate to do them with!
PowerMate Motorized Stair Climbing HandTrucks do 100% of the lifting virtually eliminating the risk of back injury. Using the push buttons on the hand grips, the operator has safe control of the load at all times. Savings from injury prevention are significant: Lost productivity, injury claims, lower company moral as well as a host of other direct and indirect costs have been estimated by the U.S Department of Labor Statistics to be $29,000 per lost-time injury for the employer.
If you are moving heavy loads you want to reduce your risk and expose to injury. If you are an owner / operator, you have the best reason for buying a Powermate - injury prevention! How much money would you give up if you were unable to work for six months or even six weeks? Where would your clients go if you were unavailable?
Your ability to attract and retain valuable employees regardless of gender, age and physical strength increase employee morale, motivating your workforce and enhancing further the attractiveness of your business as an employer of choice. Your workers are less physically stressed and less at risk of repetitive strain injuries. They go home less tired and are better rested the next day, more focused and able to deal with what may.
If you are unfortunate in that you have a worker who becomes injured - just for the sake of argument let's say the injury took place playing baseball - you will be able to get the worker back on the job sooner on modified duties using a PowerMate!
With a PowerMate you will have less dropped call and missed opportunities and be better able to deal with peak season periods more efficiently. You can avoid the cost of installing a tailgate lift ($3,500 - $7,500 expense per vehicle) as well as the wasted expense of an idle vehicle due to an injury.
PowerMate = Labor Savings + Increased Margins + Safer Deliveries = Higher Profits
There are Return on Investment calculators that we use at PowerMate to estimate expected savings and returns and we are only too happy to work through them with you.
Call us at 1-800-697-6283 for a free business analysis or leave your name and number here and we’ll contact you at a time of your convenience.
Posted by Carl Nattrass on Wed, Jan 20, 2010
For more information on PowerMate products or services contact one of our Solution Specialists at 1-800-697-6283 or leave your name and number and we'll contact you at your convenience
The jobsite can be a hazardous place. All good employers take jobsite safety seriously, this makes good business sense as the cost of one, lost-time injury can run an employer on average close to $29,000 in direct and indirect costs*. In the HVAC and plumbing industry the majority of lost time injuries are a result of physical strain injuries from moving heavy loads by hand or using a regular hand cart. Boilers, geothermal units, drain and sewer cleaners, AC units, heat pumps, cast iron bathtubs and large furnaces are usually the culprits. Some of these items can weigh over a thousand pounds and many need to be moved up or down stairs. The traditional hand truck is not the ideal moving solution as the operator still needs to ‘lift' the weight over curbs, on or off trucks or in the worst case scenario up or down stairs.
The traditional hand truck is without brakes and requires the operator to keep the load in a balanced position - especially on stairs. This can result in the operator having to make sudden weight shifting movements to control the load and this is often where injuries can occur. The installer may suffer an injury that may go unnoticed until a subsequent unrelated activity causes the damage to become apparent. This can be particularly unfortunate if the trigger event takes place outside of the work environment and the damage is not classified as a work related injury.
The answer, of course is to not get injured in the first place. One way installers in the HVAC and plumbing industry can avoid injury is to source alternate means of moving heavy loads. There are several moving solutions available, the best of which are called ‘stair climbers' or ‘motorized stair climbers' which do the heavy lifting for you. The PowerMate® brand of stair climber has several advantages over other systems. PowerMate® manufactures and sells direct and has an excellent reputation for quality. PowerMate® also has the best service and training program in the industry and understands the complex needs of independent operators, SME's and large businesses alike. For example, PowerMate® offers certified training programs designed to "train the trainers" which works well for large operators with fleet vehicles and multiple stair climbers (PowerMates).
Another advantage of using a powered hand truck is the greater range in terms of who can be an installer. Physical strength is much less of a factor; older workers and women are more likely to be able to install hot water tanks or geothermal units unaided. Injured workers can return to work faster using a powered lifting device as well. Your insurance premiums may drop as a result of implementing this very significant piece of PPE (personal protective equipment). One large home comfort HVAC company has mandated the use of PowerMates in all installations as part of their safety policy.
You can find more information on the PowerMate® brand of motorized stair climbing hand trucks at http://www.powermate.info/
*U.S. Department of Labor Statistics quotes a figure of $29,000 as the total costs to en employer from ONE lost-time injury; 2004.