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The True Cost of Manual Lifting:
How Ergonomic Solutions Can Save Your Business Money

When businesses think about costs, they often focus on tangible expenses—materials, labor, overhead. However, there's a hidden cost that many companies overlook: the true financial impact of manual lifting on their workforce. Manual lifting tasks, when not properly managed, can lead to significant worker injuries, absenteeism, and high turnover rates. Fortunately, ergonomic lifting solutions, such as ergonomic lifts and industrial manipulators, can mitigate these risks while offering a strong return on investment.

The Hidden Costs of Manual Lifting

Manual lifting is a common task in many industries, from manufacturing to warehousing. However, repetitive and heavy lifting tasks can result in musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among workers. These injuries are not only painful but also costly:

  1. Worker Injuries: MSDs caused by manual lifting can lead to serious injuries, such as back strains, hernias, and joint damage. These injuries often require medical treatment, rehabilitation, and sometimes surgery, all of which come with high medical expenses. According to      OSHA, businesses in the U.S. spend over $20 billion annually on direct costs associated with MSDs.

  2. Absenteeism: Injuries from manual lifting often result in prolonged absenteeism, leaving businesses short-staffed and potentially disrupting operations. This can lead to decreased productivity, missed deadlines, and strained employee morale as other workers have to pick up the slack. In fact, the       Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that MSDs account for 33% of all worker injury and illness cases, significantly contributing to absenteeism.

  3. Turnover: High injury rates contribute to higher employee turnover. When workers leave due to injury or seek employment in safer environments, businesses face the costs of hiring and training new employees. This cycle of turnover can be both disruptive and expensive.

​How Ergonomic Lifting Equipment Can Save Your Business Money

Investing in ergonomic lifting equipment, such as manipulator systems, can significantly reduce these hidden costs. Here’s how:

  1. Reducing Worker Injuries: Ergonomic lifting devices are designed to minimize strain on the body. By incorporating ergonomic lifting solutions like vacuum lifting equipment and material lifts, businesses can prevent common lifting injuries. OSHA and NIOSH standards for manipulator systems emphasize the importance of reducing manual handling to prevent injuries.

  2. Decreasing Absenteeism: With fewer injuries, absenteeism rates drop. Ergonomic material handling equipment, including ergonomic industrial manipulators, helps ensure that employees can perform their tasks safely and efficiently. This reduces the likelihood of injury-related absences and keeps your workforce healthy and productive.

  3. Lowering Turnover: A safer work environment fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty. When workers know that their employer is invested in their well-being by providing ergonomic lifting equipment, they are more likely to stay with the company. This stability reduces turnover and the associated costs of recruiting and training new employees.

The Strong Return on Investment

The initial cost of purchasing ergonomic lifting equipment may seem substantial, but the long-term savings make it a wise investment. Consider the following benefits:

  1. Increased Productivity: Ergonomic lifting equipment, such as ergonomic lifters and manipulator systems, allows workers to handle loads more efficiently, leading to increased productivity. Tasks that once required multiple workers or significant time can now be completed quickly and safely by one operator using ergonomic lifting devices.

  2. Customization and Adaptability: Ergonomic lifting equipment customization ensures that the tools are tailored to your specific needs. Whether you need a manipulator system for delicate tasks or lifting machinery for heavy-duty operations, ergonomic solutions can be designed to fit your industry’s unique requirements.

  3. Compliance and Safety: Adhering to OSHA and NIOSH standards for manipulator systems not only keeps your workplace compliant but also minimizes the risk of costly penalties. Moreover, by investing in safety, you demonstrate a commitment to your employees' well-being, which can boost morale and reduce turnover.

Invest in Ergonomic Lifting Solutions Today

The hidden costs of manual lifting—worker injuries, absenteeism, and turnover—can add up quickly, draining resources and impacting your bottom line. By investing in ergonomic lifting equipment, you can protect your workforce, enhance productivity, and ultimately save money. Whether you’re exploring ergonomic lifting solutions for the first time or looking to upgrade your current handling and lifting equipment, the benefits of ergonomic material handling are clear.


To learn more about the types of manipulator systems available, the benefits of ergonomic lifting equipment, and how these solutions can be customized to your industry’s needs, visit our Video Gallery of Ergonomic Lifting Equipment Videos and explore our comprehensive FAQ section.

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Contact us directly to learn more about how ergonomic lifting solutions can transform your workplace.

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