Handbook palletizing would possibly look easy. However behind each elevate is a set of forces, postures, and dangers that add up quick, particularly when finished lots of of occasions per shift.
That’s why the NIOSH Composite Lifting Index (CLI) exists. And should 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 device 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 several positions, at completely different frequencies.
Briefly, it solutions this query:
Is that this elevate secure, or are you pushing your individuals too far?
The upper the CLI, the better 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: Certainly one of your operators is palletizing 12 lb containers, 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 do you have to care?
As a result of a CLI of three.0 or larger doesn’t simply imply somebody would possibly get harm. It means somebody doubtless 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 beneath stress.
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Automation drops your CLI to zero
The best method to cut back your CLI? Remove the handbook elevate solely.
That’s the place cobot palletizing is available in. With a Robotiq system:
- You take away employees from the danger zone
- You get rid of 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 Danger Has a Quantity
The Composite Lifting Index offers you a transparent, data-backed method to consider threat. However you don’t have to turn out to be 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 look ahead to the damage report.
💻 Be a part of our ergonomics webinar with licensed security knowledgeable Carla Silver – register at this time!
📘 Want extra particulars and statistics? Obtain our Ergonomics book, additionally by Carla Silver.
