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 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 value of ignoring ergonomics
Musculoskeletal issues (MSDs) attributable to repetitive duties like handbook palletizing don’t simply influence staff—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 group slowed down, a line paused, a task left unfilled. Persistent again ache doesn’t simply ship staff residence—it sends prices skyrocketing and schedules into chaos.
The danger 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 data damage your potential 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 bet no sensible enterprise ought to take.
“Musculoskeletal issues (MSDs) accidents do not need solely direct medical prices but additionally hidden oblique prices which might be 1 to five occasions greater than the direct prices. These prices can influence 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 simplest activity to automate.
Automation doesn’t simply decrease your harm price. It:
Eliminates the bodily hazard completely
Reduces claims and insurance coverage prices
Frees up staff 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 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
Meaning 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 most costly possibility.
Begin with one palletizer. See the outcomes. Scale sensible.
Your group stays secure. Your enterprise 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 present!
📘 Obtain our Ergonomics e book, additionally by Carla Silver.
