Let’s get straight to it: ergonomic accidents aren’t only a “security” downside. They’re a enterprise downside—one which quietly chips away at your productiveness, workforce, and backside line.
And in the event you suppose you possibly can’t afford to put money into automation proper now, right here’s the actual query: Are you able to afford to not?
The actual value of ignoring ergonomics
Musculoskeletal problems (MSDs) brought on by repetitive duties like guide palletizing don’t simply impression staff—they drain complete operations. We’re speaking about:
- $167 billion in whole office harm prices within the U.S. alone
- Over $2 billion in MSD-related claims in British Columbia from 2019–2023
- An estimated €17.2 billion in manufacturing losses from MSDs in Germany
These numbers are crimson flags.
Behind each stat is a group slowed down, a line paused, a job left unfilled. Continual again ache doesn’t simply ship staff residence—it sends prices skyrocketing and schedules into chaos.
The chance is not simply bodily. It is monetary.
Each pressure, sprain, or tweak carries a price ticket:
🩹 Direct prices
Medical payments, compensation, rehab, insurance coverage premiums
📉 Oblique prices
Misplaced productiveness, missed shipments, non permanent labor, morale injury
📈 Popularity threat
Poor security information harm your capability to draw and retain expertise
Add within the rising international strain for compliance—from OSHA within the U.S. to EU directives—and ignoring ergonomics shortly turns into a raffle no good enterprise ought to take.
“Musculoskeletal problems (MSDs) accidents wouldn’t have solely direct medical prices but additionally hidden oblique prices which will be 1 to five instances greater than the direct prices. These prices can impression an organization’s profitability and should require elevated gross sales to offset the extra prices.” — Carla Silver, Licensed Security Skilled and Security Innovator
Why guide palletizing is the flashing warning gentle
Guide palletizing sits on the intersection of repetitive movement, awkward posture, heavy lifting, and excessive frequency. It’s the textbook case of ergonomic threat.
And but—it’s additionally the best job to automate.
Automation doesn’t simply decrease your harm price. It:
- Eliminates the bodily hazard totally
- Reduces claims and insurance coverage prices
- Frees up staff for safer, higher-value roles
- Boosts consistency and throughput
In different phrases, automation turns a value middle right into a efficiency benefit.
Safer doesn’t suggest slower
Some nonetheless assume ergonomic enhancements sluggish issues down. Not with cobot palletizers. Robotiq’s options are designed for:
- Fast deployment (put in in below 3 days)
- Minimal flooring area
- Quick, repeatable ROI
Meaning you possibly can scale back threat and ramp up manufacturing—with out the trade-offs.
So, are you able to afford to disregard ergonomics?
While you consider harm prices, insurance coverage hikes, and labor turnover, doing nothing could also be your costliest possibility.
Begin with one palletizer. See the outcomes. Scale good.
Your group stays secure. Your online business stays robust.
Simply how a lot is guide palletizing costing your corporation? We can assist you discover out!
💻 Do not miss our Ergonomics webinar with Carla Silver – register in the present day!
📘 Obtain our Ergonomics e-book, additionally by Carla Silver.
