Handbook palletizing may look easy. However behind each raise is a set of forces, postures, and dangers that add up quick, particularly when accomplished tons of of occasions per shift.
That’s why the NIOSH Composite Lifting Index (CLI) exists. And when you’ve by no means heard of it earlier than, it’s time to get acquainted—as a result of it may very well be the important thing to defending your workforce and unlocking quicker ROI from automation.
Let’s break it down.
What’s the CLI?
The CLI is a software developed by the Nationwide Institute for Occupational Security and Well being (NIOSH). It measures the ergonomic threat of handbook lifting duties within the office—particularly when a employee is lifting a number of objects, in numerous positions, at totally different frequencies.
Briefly, it solutions this query:
Is that this raise protected, or are you pushing your individuals too far?
The upper the CLI, the higher the danger of damage.
What the numbers imply
Right here’s the easy rule of thumb:
- CLI ≤ 1.0 → Acceptable for many staff
- CLI > 1.0 → Elevated threat
- CLI > 3.0 → Excessive-risk, pressing want for redesign or automation
Now think about this: Considered one of your operators is palletizing 12 lb packing containers, 700+ occasions per hour, with fixed bending and reaching. That’s precisely the kind of high-frequency, high-strain state of affairs the place CLI spikes—and damage threat skyrockets.
Why do you have to care?
As a result of a CLI of three.0 or larger doesn’t simply imply somebody may get harm. It means somebody probably will—and shortly.
Accidents brought on by overexertion and repetitive lifting are among the many most typical and dear office points:
- $39,000+ common price per again damage
- Misplaced workdays, misplaced output, rising insurance coverage prices
- Turnover and recruitment challenges
In case your CLI is excessive, your margins are already underneath strain.
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Automation drops your CLI to zero
The best technique to scale back your CLI? Remove the handbook raise completely.
That’s the place cobot palletizing is available in. With a Robotiq system:
- You take away staff from the danger zone
- You remove ergonomic pressure on the supply
- You enhance consistency, security, and throughput
No lifting = no CLI = no damage threat.
And with Robotiq’s turnkey palletizing options, you may go from handbook to automated in as little as 3 days—with out facility redesign or weeks of downtime.
Backside Line: Your Lifting Threat Has a Quantity
The Composite Lifting Index offers you a transparent, data-backed technique to consider threat. However you don’t have to grow to be an ergonomics skilled to behave on it. In case your group remains to be palletizing by hand, the CLI is probably going already within the hazard zone.
So don’t look ahead to the damage report.
💻 Be a part of our ergonomics webinar with licensed security skilled Carla Silver – register at the moment!
📘 Want extra particulars and statistics? Obtain our Ergonomics e-book, additionally by Carla Silver.
