Let’s get straight to it: ergonomic accidents aren’t only a “security” drawback. They’re a enterprise drawback—one which quietly chips away at your productiveness, workforce, and backside line.
And for those who suppose you possibly can’t afford to put money into automation proper now, right here’s the true query: Are you able to afford to not?
The true value of ignoring ergonomics
Musculoskeletal issues (MSDs) attributable to repetitive duties like guide palletizing don’t simply impression employees—they drain complete operations. We’re speaking about:
- $167 billion in complete 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 staff slowed down, a line paused, a task left unfilled. Power again ache doesn’t simply ship employees house—it sends prices skyrocketing and schedules into chaos.
The danger 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, momentary labor, morale injury
📈 Fame danger
Poor security data damage your capability to draw and retain expertise
Add within the rising international stress for compliance—from OSHA within the U.S. to EU directives—and ignoring ergonomics rapidly turns into a chance no good enterprise ought to take.
“Musculoskeletal issues (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 will require elevated gross sales to offset the extra prices.” — Carla Silver, Licensed Security Skilled and Security Innovator
Why guide palletizing is the flashing warning mild
Handbook palletizing sits on the intersection of repetitive movement, awkward posture, heavy lifting, and excessive frequency. It’s the textbook case of ergonomic danger.
And but—it’s additionally the best process to automate.
Automation doesn’t simply decrease your harm price. It:
- Eliminates the bodily hazard totally
- Reduces claims and insurance coverage prices
- Frees up employees for safer, higher-value roles
- Boosts consistency and throughput
In different phrases, automation turns a value middle right into a efficiency benefit.
Safer does not imply slower
Some nonetheless assume ergonomic enhancements gradual issues down. Not with cobot palletizers. Robotiq’s options are designed for:
- Fast deployment (put in in underneath 3 days)
- Minimal ground area
- Quick, repeatable ROI
Which means you possibly can cut back danger and ramp up manufacturing—with out the trade-offs.
So, are you able to afford to disregard ergonomics?
Whenever you think about harm prices, insurance coverage hikes, and labor turnover, doing nothing could also be your most costly choice.
Begin with one palletizer. See the outcomes. Scale good.
Your staff stays secure. Your online business stays sturdy.
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 immediately!
📘 Obtain our Ergonomics book, additionally by Carla Silver.
