Handbook palletizing would possibly look easy. However behind each raise 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 may very well 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 danger of handbook lifting duties within the office—particularly when a employee is lifting a number of objects, in numerous positions, at totally different frequencies.
Briefly, it solutions this query:
Is that this raise protected, or are you pushing your individuals too far?
The upper the CLI, the higher the chance of harm.
What the numbers imply
Right here’s the easy rule of thumb:
- CLI ≤ 1.0 → Acceptable for many employees
- CLI > 1.0 → Elevated danger
- CLI > 3.0 → Excessive-risk, pressing want for redesign or automation
Now think about this: One in every 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 situation the place CLI spikes—and harm danger skyrockets.
Why must you care?
As a result of a CLI of three.0 or increased doesn’t simply imply somebody would possibly get damage. It means somebody possible will—and shortly.
Accidents attributable to overexertion and repetitive lifting are among the many most typical and dear office points:
- $39,000+ common price per again harm
- Misplaced workdays, misplaced output, rising insurance coverage prices
- Turnover and recruitment challenges
In case your CLI is excessive, your margins are already underneath stress.
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Automation drops your CLI to zero
The simplest approach to scale back your CLI? Eradicate the handbook raise totally.
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 harm danger.
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 provides you a transparent, data-backed approach to consider danger. However you don’t must turn out to be an ergonomics knowledgeable to behave on it. In case your staff remains to be palletizing by hand, the CLI is probably going already within the hazard zone.
So don’t watch for the harm report.
💻 Be part of our ergonomics webinar with licensed security knowledgeable Carla Silver – register at the moment!
📘 Want extra particulars and statistics? Obtain our Ergonomics e-book, additionally by Carla Silver.
