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 in the event you suppose you’ll be able to’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 issues (MSDs) attributable to repetitive duties like handbook palletizing don’t simply influence staff—they drain total operations. We’re speaking about:
- $167 billion in complete office damage 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 purple flags.
Behind each stat is a crew slowed down, a line paused, a job left unfilled. Power again ache doesn’t simply ship staff 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 injury
📈 Fame danger
Poor security data harm 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 shortly turns into a bet no good enterprise ought to take.
“Musculoskeletal issues (MSDs) accidents would not have solely direct medical prices but in addition hidden oblique prices which will be 1 to five instances greater than the direct prices. These prices can influence an organization’s profitability and should 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 danger.
And but—it’s additionally the best process to automate.
Automation doesn’t simply decrease your damage price. It:
- Eliminates the bodily hazard fully
- 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 doesn’t suggest 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 house
- Quick, repeatable ROI
Which means you’ll be able to scale back danger and ramp up manufacturing—with out the trade-offs.
So, are you able to afford to disregard ergonomics?
If you consider damage prices, insurance coverage hikes, and labor turnover, doing nothing could also be your costliest choice.
Begin with one palletizer. See the outcomes. Scale good.
Your crew stays secure. Your online business stays robust.
Simply how a lot is handbook palletizing costing your enterprise? We may also help you discover out!
💻 Do not miss our Ergonomics webinar with Carla Silver – register at the moment!
📘 Obtain our Ergonomics e-book, additionally by Carla Silver.
