Employee Safety in the Conditions of Industry 4.0

Abstract

The safety of employees during the implementation of work processes is one of the important conditions for the efficient implementation of production tasks. The situation does not change with the use of automation and robotization. On the contrary, it may be a source of hazards in new areas, requiring specific actions to limit the possibility of accidents occurring or to limit their consequences. These actions should be taken in a manner appropriate to the nature of the non-conformities. The study, based on the analysis of literature and a case study conducted in a production organization, showed the most important factors that may disturb the efficient implementation of production tasks. The study presents the key conditions for the development and operation of Industry 4.0, in accordance with the recommendations of the European Union and guidelines indicated in the scientific literature. The obtained results are addressed to the information of people responsible for the development of I4.0, taking into account “the safety aspects”, in industrial enterprises where the implementation of tasks requires cooperation between humans and machines. Statistical analysis was not included in the study. The author attempts to identify relationships that justify further research conducted to establish the existing correlations regarding supporting organizational development professionals, and in particular helping them identify potential problems in order to provide their organization with an advantage in the global competitive environment.

Keywords

• industry 4.0 (i4.0)
• work conditions
• occupational health and safety
• occupational risks
• pro-safety and harmonized solutions