As robots increasingly integrate into the workplace, especially in warehouse situations, ensuring the safety of workers who interact with these machines is of paramount importance.
Examining data from the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) between 1992 and 2017 provides insights into the risks associated with working with robots.
During this 25-year period, 61 fatalities involving workers who interacted with robots were reported in the United States. The typical circumstances leading to these fatalities were categorized into two main scenarios:
Contact with robots: Approximately 60 percent of the fatalities occurred when workers made direct contact with robots during operations. These incidents often involved workers being struck, crushed, or caught in robotic machinery.
Programming and set-up errors: The remaining 40 percent of fatalities resulted from errors in robot programming or set-up. Improper configurations or software glitches led to unintended movements or malfunctions, resulting in worker fatalities.
According to NIOSH researcher Larry Layne, 78 percent of the fatalities involved a robot striking a worker, often while undergoing maintenance.
While the CFOI data does not provide the exact number of individuals working with robots during this period, the number of fatalities remains relatively low compared to the widespread use of robotics in various industries.
Safety experts worldwide are attempting to mitigate dangers through risk assessment and training, but manufacturers are also creating new safety features. Among the safety features are emergency stop buttons, barriers, and presence sensing devices.