Industrial Robot Accidents: A Guide for Prevention
Industrial Robot Accidents: A Guide for Prevention
Industrial robots are increasingly used in manufacturing facilities to perform a variety of tasks, from welding and assembly to packaging and palletizing. These machines can be highly efficient and productive, but they can also pose a safety hazard to workers.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there were 410 non-fatal industrial robot accidents reported in the United States in 2018. Of these accidents, 24% resulted in serious injuries, such as amputations, fractures, or lacerations.
| Year | Number of Industrial Robot Accidents | Number of Serious Injuries | Number of Fatalities |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 280 | 67 | 0 |
| 2016 | 320 | 78 | 1 |
| 2017 | 380 | 92 | 2 |
| 2018 | 410 | 98 | 3 |
| Type of Accident | Number of Accidents | Percentage of Accidents |
|---|---|---|
| Struck by robot | 160 | 39% |
| Caught in robot | 120 | 29% |
| Hit by robot component | 80 | 19% |
| Other | 50 | 12% |
Benefits of Industrial Robots
Despite the potential hazards, industrial robots can offer a number of benefits to businesses, including:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Increased productivity | Robots can work faster and more accurately than humans, resulting in increased output. |
| Improved quality | Robots can produce consistent results, reducing errors and improving product quality. |
| Reduced labor costs | Robots can be used to replace human workers, resulting in lower labor costs. |
| Enhanced safety | Robots can be used to perform hazardous tasks, reducing the risk of injury to workers. |
How to Prevent Industrial Robot Accidents
There are a number of steps that businesses can take to prevent industrial robot accidents, including:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Conduct a risk assessment | Identify the potential hazards associated with the use of industrial robots. |
| Implement safety measures | Put in place measures to mitigate the risks, such as using guards and barriers. |
| Train workers | Provide workers with training on the safe operation of industrial robots. |
| Enforce safety protocols | Establish and enforce safety protocols to ensure that workers follow safe practices. |
Industrial Robot Accident Stories
Story 1:
In 2015, a worker at a manufacturing plant in Michigan was struck by a robot while working on a conveyor line. The worker suffered a broken leg and was hospitalized for several weeks.
Story 2:
In 2016, a worker at a warehouse in California was caught in a robot while trying to retrieve a product. The worker suffered multiple fractures and was airlifted to a hospital in critical condition.
Story 3:
In 2017, a worker at a distribution center in Texas was hit by a robot component while working near a robotic palletizer. The worker suffered a laceration to the head and was treated at a local hospital.
Call to Action
If you are considering using industrial robots in your facility, it is important to take steps to prevent accidents. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can help to keep your workers safe and productive.
Additional Resources:
- OSHA's Robot Safety Page
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Robot Safety Page
- International Federation of Robotics (IFR) Safety Guidelines for Industrial Robots
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