Robotics

Hazard Evaluation and Solutions

In order to make an impact in reducing the number of injuries and fatalities due to robotics in the workplace, more than just hazard recognition needs to occur. It is important that once the hazards are identified that measures of control for worker safety are put into place and followed. The following references aid in evaluating hazards and possible solutions to controlling robotic hazards in the workplace.

Hazard Evaluation

National Occupational Injury Research Symposium (NOIRS). National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Control and Prevention

Training Requirements in OSHA Standards. OSHA Publication 2254, (2015).
Health & Safety Manual. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Environment, Health and Safety (EH&S) Division.

Robotics Benefits

Ergonomic Interventions In Shipyards: Easy Fixes. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Workplace Safety and Health Topic.
- Robotic Welder. Provides an example hazard and the innovative solution implemented to improve worker safety.

Case Studies

Lockout-Tagout Interactive Training Program. OSHA. Includes selected references for training and interactive case studies.
- Case Studies
  - Case Study 2: Automotive Component Lubrication Robotics. Walks through a series of questions which allows the user to make decisions concerning the proper application of the lockout/tagout standard. Provides an explanation that identifies and discusses the correct response.
Mold Setter's Head Struck By a Cycling Single-side Gantry Robot. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Michigan Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Report 01MI002. A 29-year old male died from injuries sustained when he was struck on the head by a cycling single-side gantry robot.
Machine Operator Crushed By Robotic Platform. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Nebraska Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Report 99NE017. A 23-year-old carousel operator at a meat packing plant was killed when his foot tripped a light sensor causing a computer controlled robotic platform to come down from above, crushing his skull.
Fatal Accident Summary Report: Die Cast Operator Pinned by Robot. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) In-house Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Report 8420. The evaluation of this fatal incident allows general recommendations to be made which are applicable to all establishments and workers who use or anticipate using robots. These recommendations pertain to three categories: ergonomic design, training, and supervision.