Handbook palletizing may look easy. However behind each raise is a set of forces, postures, and dangers that add up quick, particularly when carried out a whole lot of occasions per shift.
That’s why the NIOSH Composite Lifting Index (CLI) exists. And in the event you’ve by no means heard of it earlier than, it’s time to get acquainted—as a result of it might be the important thing to defending your workforce and unlocking quicker ROI from automation.
Let’s break it down.
What’s the CLI?
The CLI is a software developed by the Nationwide Institute for Occupational Security and Well being (NIOSH). It measures the ergonomic threat of guide lifting duties within the office—particularly when a employee is lifting a number of objects, in several positions, at completely different frequencies.
In brief, it solutions this query:
Is that this raise protected, or are you pushing your individuals too far?
The upper the CLI, the larger the danger of damage.
What the numbers imply
Right here’s the straightforward rule of thumb:
- CLI ≤ 1.0 → Acceptable for many employees
- CLI > 1.0 → Elevated threat
- CLI > 3.0 → Excessive-risk, pressing want for redesign or automation
Now think about this: Considered one of your operators is palletizing 12 lb bins, 700+ occasions per hour, with fixed bending and reaching. That’s precisely the kind of high-frequency, high-strain situation the place CLI spikes—and damage threat skyrockets.
Why do you have to care?
As a result of a CLI of three.0 or larger doesn’t simply imply somebody may get damage. It means somebody possible will—and shortly.
Accidents attributable to overexertion and repetitive lifting are among the many most typical and expensive office points:
- $39,000+ common value per again damage
- Misplaced workdays, misplaced output, rising insurance coverage prices
- Turnover and recruitment challenges
In case your CLI is excessive, your margins are already below stress.
.
Automation drops your CLI to zero
The simplest approach to cut back your CLI? Remove the guide raise totally.
That’s the place cobot palletizing is available in. With a Robotiq system:
- You take away employees from the danger zone
- You eradicate ergonomic pressure on the supply
- You enhance consistency, security, and throughput
No lifting = no CLI = no damage threat.
And with Robotiq’s turnkey palletizing options, you’ll be able to go from guide to automated in as little as 3 days—with out facility redesign or weeks of downtime.
Backside Line: Your Lifting Threat Has a Quantity
The Composite Lifting Index provides you a transparent, data-backed approach to consider threat. However you don’t must grow to be an ergonomics knowledgeable to behave on it. In case your group continues to be palletizing by hand, the CLI is probably going already within the hazard zone.
So don’t look forward to the damage report.
💻 Be part of our ergonomics webinar with licensed security knowledgeable Carla Silver – register at this time!
📘 Want extra particulars and statistics? Obtain our Ergonomics e book, additionally by Carla Silver.
