SKH Metals worker killed by pre-programmed robotic arm
A loader adjusting a metal sheet being welded by the machine at auto parts company SKH Metals was killed by an industrial robot. 24-year-old Ramji Lal apparently came too close to a robotic arm while adjusting the metal sheet and crossed one the robot's sensors. The pre-programmed welding robot pierced his abdomen with welding sticks, fatally injuring him. The autopsy revealed that Lal died from massive internal bleeding due to his ribs and abdominal region being crushed by the robot's arm. The incident led to workers halting work at the factory in protest at what they saw as poor safety mechanisms and culture, and to labour unions demanding increased safety measures for work involving robots. Local police and the Labour Department of Haryana state also launched investigations. System 🤖 Unknown Operator: SKH Metals Developer: Unclear/unknown Country: India Sector: Manufacturing/en gineering Purpose: Weld metal sheets Technology: Robotics Issue: Safety
- Date it happened
- 2015-08-01
- Organisation involved
- SKH Metals
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