When Can a Company Be OSHA 1910.213 Compliant Yet Still Experience Robotics Injuries?
Compliance with OSHA's 1910.213 standard for woodworking machinery doesn't automatically translate to safety in robotics. It's a common misconception that meeting one set of safety standards ensures safety across the board.
Understanding OSHA 1910.213 Compliance
OSHA 1910.213 outlines specific requirements for woodworking machinery. This includes safeguarding measures like machine guarding, emergency stop buttons, and proper training for operators. However, these requirements are tailored specifically to woodworking equipment and don't directly address the unique hazards posed by robotics.
The Gap Between Woodworking and Robotics Safety
Robotics introduces a different set of risks. These include potential for pinch points, unexpected movements, and software malfunctions. Even if a company is fully compliant with 1910.213, it might not have the necessary safety protocols in place for robotics.
Real-World Scenarios
I've seen cases where companies, after ensuring their woodworking machinery met OSHA standards, assumed their robotics setup was equally safe. This led to incidents like a robotic arm unexpectedly moving during maintenance, causing injury to a worker who was not trained in robotics safety.
Steps to Bridge the Safety Gap
- Conduct a thorough risk assessment specific to robotics, identifying all potential hazards.
- Implement robotics-specific safety training for all employees who interact with or are near robotic systems.
- Use robotics safety standards like ISO 10218 and ANSI/RIA R15.06 to guide your safety protocols.
- Regularly review and update safety measures as technology and regulations evolve.
Based on available research, individual results may vary, but following these steps can significantly reduce the risk of robotics-related injuries, even when your woodworking machinery is already compliant with OSHA 1910.213.
For those looking to dive deeper into robotics safety, resources like the Robotics Industries Association (RIA) offer valuable insights and guidelines.


