Fusion Tech Integrated, a custom metal fabrication company specializing in the food processing industry, announced the official release of the PushPal, an innovative smokehouse cart safety handle.

The PushPal was designed as a result of a costly operator hand injury caused by gripping a smokehouse cart on the side edges.

“I suffered an injury to my hand and while I was off I was determined to come up with a solution that would assure this wouldn't happen to any of my friends or coworkers again.  With the development of the Push Pal no one ever has to touch a cart again,” said Brett Hanvey, Production Supervisor at Deli Star Corporation and designer of the PushPal.

Smokehouse carts are currently designed with product in mind, rather than worker safety. Permanent welded handles eliminate some of the risk of injury, but do not account for different operator heights and are not ergonomically safe.

The PushPal features two round bar handles that place operator hands away from the cart edges and a toggle switch to easily attach the PushPal to the cart’s center post or frame edges. It helps maintain posture, keeps operator elbows in, positions wrists to increase leverage and reduce strain, and reduces torque on the back while pushing or pulling a loaded cart. The Push Pal gives operators added stability and something to grasp in case of a slip or fall. Keeping operators upright and creating space between the operator and the cart you gain better visibility when maneuvering through the plant. Hands never touch the carts again with the PushPal — increasing operator safety and reducing the risk of cross contamination.

The PushPal is currently used in a number of food processing plants across five (5) states and is growing in popularity.

The PushPal sells for $350 for one unit, or $300 each for two or more units. More information, including pictures and video, of the PushPal can be found at www.ftiinc.org/pushpal.