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 for those who 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 actual price of ignoring ergonomics
Musculoskeletal issues (MSDs) attributable to 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 pink flags.
Behind each stat is a staff slowed down, a line paused, a job left unfilled. Continual again ache doesn’t simply ship employees house—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 injury
Status danger
Poor security data harm your skill 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 shouldn’t have solely direct medical prices but in addition hidden oblique prices which will be 1 to five occasions 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 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 activity to automate.
Automation doesn’t simply decrease your harm fee. It:
- Eliminates the bodily hazard solely
- 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 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 underneath 3 days)
- Minimal flooring house
- Quick, repeatable ROI
Meaning 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?
Whenever 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 sensible.
Your staff stays secure. What you are promoting stays sturdy.
Simply how a lot is handbook palletizing costing your corporation? We will help you discover out!
Do not miss our Ergonomics webinar with Carla Silver – register today!
Obtain our Ergonomics ebook, additionally by Carla Silver.
