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 when you assume you’ll be able to’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) attributable to repetitive duties like handbook palletizing don’t simply affect staff—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 crimson flags.
Behind each stat is a workforce slowed down, a line paused, a job left unfilled. Power again ache doesn’t simply ship staff dwelling—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, momentary labor, morale injury
📈 Fame danger
Poor security data harm your capacity 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 rapidly turns into a bet no good enterprise ought to take.
“Musculoskeletal problems (MSDs) accidents wouldn’t have solely direct medical prices but in addition hidden oblique prices which could be 1 to five instances greater than the direct prices. These prices can affect an organization’s profitability and will require elevated gross sales to offset the extra prices.” — Carla Silver, Licensed Security Skilled and Security Innovator
Why handbook 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 danger.
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 heart 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 beneath 3 days)
- Minimal ground area
- Quick, repeatable ROI
Which means you’ll be able to cut back danger and ramp up manufacturing—with out the trade-offs.
So, are you able to afford to disregard ergonomics?
If you think about harm prices, insurance coverage hikes, and labor turnover, doing nothing could also be your most costly possibility.
Begin with one palletizer. See the outcomes. Scale good.
Your workforce stays protected. What you are promoting stays robust.
Simply how a lot is handbook palletizing costing your online business? We can assist you discover out!
💻 Do not miss our Ergonomics webinar with Carla Silver – register at this time!
📘 Obtain our Ergonomics e-book, additionally by Carla Silver.
