Handbook palletizing may look easy. However behind each carry is a set of forces, postures, and dangers that add up quick, particularly when executed lots of of occasions per shift.
That’s why the NIOSH Composite Lifting Index (CLI) exists. And in case 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 sooner 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 handbook lifting duties within the office—particularly when a employee is lifting a number of objects, in numerous positions, at completely different frequencies.
Briefly, it solutions this query:
Is that this carry protected, or are you pushing your individuals too far?
The upper the CLI, the larger the chance 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: Certainly 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 state of affairs the place CLI spikes—and damage threat skyrockets.
Why must you care?
As a result of a CLI of three.0 or greater doesn’t simply imply somebody may get damage. It means somebody possible will—and shortly.
Accidents brought on by overexertion and repetitive lifting are among the many commonest and expensive office points:
- $39,000+ common price 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 best option to scale back your CLI? Get rid of the handbook carry fully.
That’s the place cobot palletizing is available in. With a Robotiq system:
- You take away employees from the chance 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 possibly can go from handbook 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 offers you a transparent, data-backed option to consider threat. However you don’t must develop into an ergonomics knowledgeable to behave on it. In case your crew continues to be palletizing by hand, the CLI is probably going already within the hazard zone.
So don’t watch for the damage report.
💻 Be a part of our ergonomics webinar with licensed security knowledgeable Carla Silver – register immediately!
📘 Want extra particulars and statistics? Obtain our Ergonomics e-book, additionally by Carla Silver.
