The face of manufacturing has changed dramatically in recent years, with robot automation implemented in many industries to improve efficiency and cut costs. However, there are risks and safety hazards in the workplace when new automation programs are introduced, particularly when robots and workers are integrated into the same workplace.
Machines, robots and other automated manufacturing equipment can pose a serious safety risk at the workplace, especially when workers are not properly trained and do not understand the machine behavior.
Robots are programmable and most of their actions are dictated by human control, so any robotic injuries may be the result of a lack of training or other management shortfalls.
In short, employees should never be around machinery they don’t understand. Comprehensive training is critical for employees who work alongside machines, robots and other forms of automation.
When machine accidents and workplace injuries occur due to defective robot automation or negligent manufacturing workplace design, employers may be held liable in product liability and manufacturing injury lawsuits.
Joe Lyon is an experienced workplace injury attorney and product liability lawyer reviewing robot automation defects and manufacturing injury lawsuits.
Nearly every production and manufacturing assembly line in the U.S. now has some form of automation. The Robotic Industries Association estimates that in 2017 more than 250,000 robots had been installed in American workplaces, many with automated arms that can weld, paint or assemble parts.
Despite the injury risks that may be foreseeable, robotic systems in the workplace are more and more commonplace. Automatic machines may include:
According to the Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), many robot accidents occur during programming, program refinement, maintenance, repair, testing, setup, or adjustment. The safety agency describes the following potential hazards of working with robots:
Training is the single best way to prevent machine injury. Robots are programmable and usually predictable. Employers must stress workplace training and procedure or may risk facing manufacturing injury lawsuits.
Guards should be in place at all times. To minimize the risk of robot injuries and machine incidents, NIOSH offers the following recommendations regarding the design of robotic systems, the training of workers, and their supervision:
All too often, employees use machinery they don’t understand or have not been trained to use. These are preventable accidents and worker injuries in almost every case, arising from known hazards:
ABOUT THE LYON FIRM
Joseph Lyon has 17 years of experience representing individuals in complex litigation matters. He has represented individuals in every state against many of the largest companies in the world.
The Firm focuses on single-event civil cases and class actions involving corporate neglect & fraud, toxic exposure, product defects & recalls, medical malpractice, and invasion of privacy.
NO COST UNLESS WE WIN
The Firm offers contingency fees, advancing all costs of the litigation, and accepting the full financial risk, allowing our clients full access to the legal system while reducing the financial stress while they focus on their healthcare and financial needs.
Serious injuries and accidents often result through no fault of the injured party, yet the injured victim suffers from life altering physical, mental and financial losses. Such economic and human losses can have devastating financial consequences on individuals and families if not properly compensated. Tort law allows those individuals to seek just legal recourse through personal injury lawsuits.
Equipment rollovers and falls are the main causes of injury and death in industry. For workers on foot, being struck by heavy equipment or trucks are major causes of death.
Vehicle and forklift overturns are a leading cause of injuries and fatalities. Each year in the United States, nearly 100 workers are killed and another 20,000 are seriously injured in forklift-related incidents.
Falls on the job are no less fatal. In the United States each year, over 500 workers die as a result of falls from elevations.
Other preventable events include the following:
Arc flash accidents are an electrical occurrence when an electrical current deviates from its designated path and travels to another conductor. If a worker is hit by an arc flash or is even near one, they are likely to suffer severe electrical injury.
Anything from dropping a tool to faulty wiring can cause an arc flash accident. Poorly maintained materials or electrical systems can lead to arc flash incidents. An electric shock, burns, fires and damage is likely following an arc flash. Employers are urged to protect workers from arc flash injury, with the following prevention methods:
Each year, industrial accidents generate millions in settlements and verdicts for victims. Product liability issues cannot be discounted. In many past incidents, industrial equipment has been found to be inherently flawed. If machinery is found to have a faulty design or missing safety components, victims and their attorneys can file suit against large industrial manufacturers.
The legal options will depend on what caused the industrial accident and injury. Industrial accident injuries are usually permanent and should be addressed by a lawyer qualified in complex personal injury matters. Mr. Lyon has successfully litigated numerous industrial injury cases and obtained settlements for workers, over and beyond their workers comp.
Our Firm will help you find the answers. The Firm has the experience, resources and dedication to take on difficult and emotional cases and help our clients obtain the justice for the wrong they have suffered.
Experience: Joe Lyon is an experienced Cincinnati Industrial Accident Lawyer. The Lyon Firm has 17 years of experience and success representing individuals and plaintiffs in all fifty states, and in a variety of complex civil litigation matters. Industrial accident lawsuits can be complex and require industry experts to determine the root cause of an accident or injury. Mr. Lyon has worked with experts nationwide to assist individuals understand why an injury occurred and what can be done to improve their lives in the future. Some cases may go to a jury trial, though many others can be settled out of court.
Resources/Dedication: Mr. Lyon has worked with experts in the fields of accident reconstruction, biomechanics, epidemiology, metallurgy, pharmacology, toxicology, human factors, workplace safety, life care planning, economics, and virtually every medical discipline in successfully representing Plaintiffs across numerous areas of law. The Lyon Firm is dedicated to building the strongest cases possible for clients and their critical interests.
Results: Mr. Lyon has obtained numerous seven and six figure results in personal injury, automotive product liability, medical Negligence, construction accidents, and auto dealership negligence cases. The cases have involved successfully litigating against some of the largest companies in the world.
CINCINNATI HYDE PARK OFFICE
2754 Erie AveHAMILTON OFFICE
South 3rd Street, Suite 300CLEVELAND OFFICE
6105 Parkland Boulevard