Real World Example - Prototype System in the Automotive Industry
A manufacturer in the automotive industry was developing a prototype system for a production line that included robots and operator work stations. Questions arose concerning how to determine the most appropriate risk reduction methods between area scanners, light curtains or fixed guarding. costs of each of these solutions vary, as does the feasibility of their effective use. To determine which solution provided the best risk reduction at a reasonable cost, the company used the risk assessment process. A large consumer electronics manufacturer is successfully applying the risk assessment process to a new product development effort. Safety professionals lead the implementation effort and assist in identifying hazards. Design engineers participate in the process of identifying hazards and lead in reducing risks. Managers require risks to be reduced to an acceptable level before the design can advance to production. A global manufacturer operates a clean room used in the manufacturer of goods. The system includes proprietary processes for which specialty equipment is required. Because the manufacturer operates in several countries, the equipment must be able to ship anywhere in the world. Therefore, the equipment in the room requires CE marking, which in turn requires a risk assessment. Following a near miss incident in a wood products manufacturing operation, an OSHA inspection resulted in requirements for several process changes. The changes were strictly based on perceived non-compliance with OSHA standards. The requested changes created substantial difficulties for the manufacturer due to the tightly integrated nature of the operation. To implement the OSHA changes would have created substantial problems for the manufacturer in terms of reorienting work flow, modifying equipment, and lost operations to make the changes.
Real World Example - Consumer Electronics Manufacturer
Real World Example - Global Manufacturer
Real World Example - An OSHA Inspection