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 assume 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 problems (MSDs) brought on by repetitive duties like guide palletizing don’t simply affect employees—they drain whole 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 job 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, non permanent labor, morale harm
📈 Repute threat
Poor security data damage your means 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 shortly turns into a big gamble no sensible enterprise ought to take.
“Musculoskeletal problems (MSDs) accidents don’t have solely direct medical prices but in addition hidden oblique prices which could be 1 to five instances larger 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 guide 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 threat.
And but—it’s additionally the best job to automate.
Automation doesn’t simply decrease your harm price. It:
- Eliminates the bodily hazard fully
- Reduces claims and insurance coverage prices
- Frees up employees for safer, higher-value roles
- Boosts consistency and throughput
In different phrases, automation turns a price 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 below 3 days)
- Minimal ground house
- Quick, repeatable ROI
Meaning you possibly can cut back threat and ramp up manufacturing—with out the trade-offs.
So, are you able to afford to disregard ergonomics?
While you consider 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 sensible.
Your staff stays protected. What you are promoting stays sturdy.
Simply how a lot is guide palletizing costing your small business? We may also 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.
