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 if you happen to suppose you’ll be able to’t afford to spend money on automation proper now, right here’s the true query: Are you able to afford to not?
The actual price of ignoring ergonomics
Musculoskeletal problems (MSDs) brought on by repetitive duties like handbook palletizing don’t simply impression employees—they drain total 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. Persistent again ache doesn’t simply ship employees house—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
📈 Repute threat
Poor security information damage your means to draw and retain expertise
Add within the rising world stress for compliance—from OSHA within the U.S. to EU directives—and ignoring ergonomics rapidly turns into a big gamble no good enterprise ought to take.
“Musculoskeletal problems (MSDs) accidents wouldn’t have solely direct medical prices but in addition hidden oblique prices which might be 1 to five instances increased 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 handbook 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 threat.
And but—it’s additionally the best job to automate.
Automation doesn’t simply decrease your harm fee. 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 underneath 3 days)
- Minimal ground house
- Quick, repeatable ROI
Which means you’ll be able to cut back threat and ramp up manufacturing—with out the trade-offs.
So, are you able to afford to disregard ergonomics?
Once 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 staff stays secure. Your corporation stays robust.
Simply how a lot is handbook palletizing costing your enterprise? We will help you discover out!
💻 Do not miss our Ergonomics webinar with Carla Silver – register as we speak!
📘 Obtain our Ergonomics book, additionally by Carla Silver.
