Robot Safety: NIOSH Develops Program to Study Robot-Related Injuries
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With the increased use in robotic technology, NIOSH has been looking into the safety impact of working alongside these machines. While robots can help reduce workplace injuries by replacing workers in some types of hazardous work conditions, the use of robots may create their own set of hazards.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has a Center for Occupational Robotics Research, and more specifically, a special program called the Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Program. Through the FACE program, NIOSH is conducting robot safety surveillance, targeted investigations, and prevention activities.
Laser Guided Vehicles
In one case, NIOSH investigated a death at a water bottling company where a worker was crushed. FACE recommends the following safety practices: Incorporate manufacturer safety requirements into written company safety procedures; Train workers about the specific hazards; and Ensure compliance through periodic refresher training and spot checks.
Demolition Robots
FACE investigated two cases where workers were severely injured by demolition robots. FACE developed recommendations: Prepare a job hazard analysis for each new job; Always stay outside the risk zone when the machine is in operation; Consider using a proximity warning system; Train operators to manage power cables and continually monitor for hazards; and Consider using a spotter to assist the operator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is NIOSH’s Center for Occupational Robotics Research and the FACE Program?
A: NIOSH’s Center for Occupational Robotics Research operates the Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Program, which conducts robot safety surveillance, investigations of robot-related injuries and deaths, and develops prevention recommendations. The FACE program operates in 7 states through local state health and labor agencies and investigates in-depth robot-related fatalities.
Q: What hazards are associated with laser-guided vehicles in manufacturing?
A: Laser-guided vehicles present hazards including worker entrapment under forks or moving mechanisms, especially when workers do not disable the machine before attempting to remove obstructions. Safety sensors and alarms may not detect workers positioned outside the sensor path, and workers may not follow required lockout procedures before approaching moving machinery.
Q: What safety measures does NIOSH recommend for laser-guided vehicle operations?
A: NIOSH recommends incorporating manufacturer safety requirements into written safety procedures, training workers on specific hazards, and ensuring compliance through periodic refresher training and spot checks. Workers must understand that sensor detection zones may not cover all areas under the machine, and power must be cut before any maintenance or obstruction removal.
Q: What are the primary safety recommendations for remote-controlled demolition robots?
A: NIOSH recommends preparing job hazard analyses for each task, maintaining safe distance outside the risk zone, using proximity warning systems (RFID-based), training operators on power cable management, and employing spotters to assist operators. Operators must read and follow manufacturer safety instructions and understand the machine’s risk zone for the specific job, attachment, and task being performed.
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