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 if you happen to assume you may’t afford to spend money on automation proper now, right here’s the true query: Are you able to afford to not?
The true price of ignoring ergonomics
Musculoskeletal problems (MSDs) attributable to repetitive duties like guide palletizing don’t simply influence employees—they drain whole 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 pink flags.
Behind each stat is a group slowed down, a line paused, a job left unfilled. Continual again ache doesn’t simply ship employees 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, short-term labor, morale harm
📈 Status threat
Poor security data harm your means to draw and retain expertise
Add within the rising world strain for compliance—from OSHA within the U.S. to EU directives—and ignoring ergonomics shortly turns into a big gamble no sensible enterprise ought to take.
“Musculoskeletal problems (MSDs) accidents should not have solely direct medical prices but additionally hidden oblique prices which could be 1 to five instances greater than the direct prices. These prices can influence 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 mild
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 process to automate.
Automation doesn’t simply decrease your harm charge. It:
- Eliminates the bodily hazard completely
- 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 sluggish issues down. Not with cobot palletizers. Robotiq’s options are designed for:
- Fast deployment (put in in beneath 3 days)
- Minimal ground house
- Quick, repeatable ROI
Meaning you may scale back threat and ramp up manufacturing—with out the trade-offs.
So, are you able to afford to disregard ergonomics?
If you consider 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 sensible.
Your group stays secure. Your corporation stays sturdy.
Simply how a lot is guide palletizing costing your corporation? We will help you discover out!
💻 Do not miss our Ergonomics webinar with Carla Silver – register as we speak!
📘 Obtain our Ergonomics e-book, additionally by Carla Silver.
