5-9. Reducing Risks in Hazardous Work with Automation and Robotics

The advancement of automation and robotics holds the potential to significantly reduce workplace accident risks in hazardous tasks across industries like manufacturing, construction, and logistics. In the EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) field, automation is gaining attention as an effective means of achieving the fundamental principle of "keeping people away from danger." This article explains how automation and robotics reduce risk, provides specific examples of implementation, and discusses future prospects.

1. How Automation and Robotics Reduce Risk

Typical hazardous tasks include working at heights, handling heavy objects, dealing with harmful substances, and conducting inspections in confined spaces. These are areas with high rates of workplace accidents, but introducing robots and automated systems can prevent people from being directly exposed to danger. For instance, collaborative robots (cobots) work alongside humans, taking over dangerous assembly tasks or repetitive work. In addition, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) handle the movement of heavy objects, reducing the risk of back injuries and falls.

2. Specific Examples of Implementation

In manufacturing, companies are using robots for chemical mixing and painting processes to avoid direct exposure to hazardous substances. In construction, the use of drones for high-altitude inspections and robotics for demolition is becoming more common, leading to a reduction in fall-related accidents. In logistics, automated sorting robots and picking systems are reducing the burden on workers and lowering the accident rate in warehouses. Furthermore, in the mining and energy sectors, autonomous heavy machinery is operating in hazardous areas to minimize human entry.

3. Benefits and Challenges of Implementation

The benefits of implementing automation and robotics extend beyond accident prevention to include improved productivity and quality control. With the growing labor shortage, replacing human workers with robots for hazardous tasks directly contributes to sustainable management. However, there are also challenges, such as high initial investment costs, maintenance, and the need for a system to handle failures. It is also essential to provide training and education so employees can effectively use the new technology.

4. Future Outlook

The fusion of AI and robotics is expected to further automate dangerous work. For example, predictive maintenance robots that combine image recognition with machine learning can detect early signs of a problem and prevent an accident before it happens. Advancements in 5G communication and remote operation are also paving the way for a future where humans won't need to enter hazardous zones to complete tasks.

Conclusion

Automation and robotics are innovative technologies that directly reduce the risk of hazardous work and are essential for enhancing EHS management. Going forward, it will be crucial to formulate an optimal implementation strategy that aligns with a company's specific risk profile, focusing on both safety and efficiency.