In the science fiction classic “I, Robot” by Isaac Asimov, all robots are hardwired to obey orders, to never harm humans and to sacrifice themselves if necessary to keep humans safe. The plot twists are about humans coming to harm anyway despite those secure intentions of the robots’ creators.
In real life, robot-related injuries and fatalities are occurring more frequently as robotic technologies are deployed in more and more workplaces. Employers as well as the manufacturers and programmers may be liable for damages when robots “go rogue” or break down and cause workplace injuries to their human counterparts.
We are still a long ways from robotic androids working side-by-side with humans (or serving as our supervisors!) But various forms of robots have crept into nearly every occupation – from manufacturing and distribution to surgery, farming and law enforcement. We are already on the horizon of self-driving cars and trucks. And that will almost certainly mean more accidents caused by automated machines – in many cases robots that are ironically meant to spare humans from danger and exertion.
Sounds like science fiction but that’s the heading of an actual workplace fatality in 2004 in which an employee entered a workplace enclosure operated entirely by robots. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has tracked robot-related injuries in the workplace since at least 1984. Many accidents occur when robotic machinery jams or when a robot arm that is still energized needs to be manually serviced.
Lockout/tagout procedures and other safety measures do not always apply to workplace robotics, because of the inefficiency of repeatedly powering down the robot and rebooting it. Sensors and guards do not always work as intended. Crush injuries are the most common; robots are heavy and hydraulic, no match for a human who gets in the way.
The robots are here to serve us. But because they are so strong and quick, it is critical to stay alert in work zones and strictly follow all safety protocols. The “First Law of Robotics” — do no harm to humans – only exists in fiction. In reality, workplace robots are more like beasts of burden, dumb but powerful creatures that can injure or kill without really thinking.
Schwartz Law Firm was founded by Christopher Schwartz in 1997. After obtaining his MBA and law degrees, Christopher Schwartz served as a Workers Compensation claims adjuster. This experience gave him a view of the system from the inside and inspired him to begin his own practice. Christopher Schwartz has successfully represented many injured employees in Longshore claims, Jones Act claims, and Personal Injury claims. He is a tough negotiator, whose track record includes multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. Chris has also authored a book titled “The Road to Justice”. In his book, Chris outlines how he and his colleagues fight for public safety and what role his clients can play in winning their own personal injury cases. Chris is a native of New Orleans and has practiced law in Louisiana for 14 years. As a result, he understands local laws and feels a special loyalty to local people. He takes every case personally. Chris is available to represent clients anywhere in Louisiana and Maritime clients anywhere in the Gulf South. But he is also qualified to represent Defense Base Act clients anywhere in the world outside the U.S. He also focuses on auto accidents, semi-trailer accidents, 18-wheeler accidents and slip & fall accidents.