For a Quick Fix, Stop It First
■ A machine that has almost stopped has not stopped
In the sorting room, Tsukamukun was caught on the corner of a box, its arm jittering. Makihara, passing by, said, "I'm just doing a quick fix," and reached between the arm and the shelf to fix the box. A machine that looks almost stopped seems safe to touch. But a jittering arm may lurch the instant it comes free.
■ Accidents happen more in the "quick" moments than in normal operation
Robot accidents are more likely not during normal operation but when someone checks on a machine that has almost stopped or does a quick fix. In a fatal accident in Hamamatsu, Japan, a worker who leaned in to check on equipment was caught and crushed. People who reach in mean no harm—it is often out of kindness. The shorter the job seems, the more tempting it is to skip stopping the machine. That carelessness is what puts a body between the arm and the shelf.
■ Conclusion: Make "stop, then approach" the rule
Oshiro pressed the emergency stop button on the wall, and Tsukamukun's arm froze. Makihara fixed the box only after confirming it had stopped. A "Stop before approaching" sign went up at the entrance, and Tsukamukun said, "Stop first." Don't leave it to judgment in the moment—make stopping before approaching an operating rule. The people in the biggest hurry are the ones that rule protects most.
When you think "just a quick one," that is exactly when to stop it first.
