Victory Packaging’s slogan is "The Architects of Packaging Solutions." The company operates over 65 U.S., Mexico, and Canada facilities, employing more than 1,300 individuals. After experiencing a high rate of worker injury claims, which resulted in $1.3 million paid out in workers’ compensation over five years, they decided to reassess the safety conditions surrounding material handling.
David San Miguel serves as Victory Packaging's Corporate Risk Manager, responsible for handling claims, injuries, safety issues, and lawsuits. A Risk Manager's primary role is identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks that could negatively affect the organization's objectives, finances, and reputation. They develop and implement risk management strategies, policies, and procedures to minimize potential threats and ensure compliance.
Given the scale of Victory Packaging’s operations, it was crucial to ensure the well-being of its drivers. These individuals are essential to the sustainability of the business, and injuries were causing significant productivity issues. Injuries could prevent drivers from completing their routes, leading to the hiring of temporary drivers who would need time to learn the new routes and build rapport with customers.
For years, Victory Packaging relied on manual pallet jacks. Operating these all day can be strenuous on the muscles and joints, especially on uneven surfaces. Drivers often had to pull heavy loads, sometimes weighing up to 3,000 pounds. The most common injuries affected their shoulders, backs, and legs, leading to costly claims for the company. A primary concern was that increased claims would raise insurance premiums, ultimately impacting employees' wallets.
To address this issue, Victory Packaging met with their insurance company to explore solutions to reduce their injury burden. The insurance representatives noted that many material handling companies faced similar challenges due to outdated technology. Victory Packaging’s primary goal in replacing their pallet jacks was maintaining the same size. After evaluating larger, more expensive models, they switched to the Big Joe E30 Pallet Jack, which significantly transformed their operations.
Senior management unanimously approved using the E30, and it was rolled out nationwide, with 235 units purchased. The impact was immediate: drivers reported higher job satisfaction, completed their routes more efficiently, and experienced less physical stress.
Victory Packaging estimates that the E30 has saved them $100,000 per year in claims. The company highly recommends transitioning from manual pallet jacks to the Big Joe E30 to save money and foster a happier workforce.