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24 Amazon Workers Sent To Hospital After Robot Accidentally Unleashes Bear Spray

Posted by BeauHD on from the rise-of-the-machines dept.

Joe_Dragon shares a report from ABC News: Twenty-four Amazon workers in New Jersey have been hospitalized after a robot accidentally tore a can of bear repellent spray in a warehouse, officials said. The two dozen workers were treated at five local hospitals, Robbinsville Township communications and public information officer John Nalbone told ABC News. One remains in critical condition and 30 additional workers were treated at the scene. The official investigation revealed "an automated machine accidentally punctured a 9-ounce bear repellent can, releasing concentrated Capsaican," Nalbone said. Capsaican is the major ingredient in pepper spray. The fulfillment center was given the all clear by Wednesday evening. "All of the impacted employees have been or are expected to be released from hospital within the next 24 hours. The safety of our employees is always our top priority and a full investigation is already underway. We'd like to thank all of the first responders who helped with today's incident," Amazon said in a statement Wednesday night.

3 of 221 comments (clear)

  1. I for one welcome... by Barny · · Score: 5, Insightful

    ... people not make that joke.

    What is really news here? A worker with a forklift could do this just as easily and readily as a robot.

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    /me sighs
    1. Re:I for one welcome... by Zocalo · · Score: 4, Insightful

      I'd guess they are meant to call a central location (e.g. building reception or other appointed person) who will then place a single call and act as the point of contact. The idea is that the people in question would have specific training on how to deal with the call, provide the necessary information in a concise manner, and any directions within the site/campus, etc. that might not be on satnav. In some cases - e.g. airports - they'll also want their internal /on-site responders to be notified, rather than the nearest local public emergency services. It's actually quite a common requirement for private PABXs to configure calls to the local and international emergency numbers to automatically redirect to facilitate all that, but you'd need a policy like Tesla's to cover off staff using mobile phones.

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      UNIX? They're not even circumcised! Savages!
    2. Re:I for one welcome... by bluegutang · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Yes, but.

      It also allows the employer to prevent publicity of anything unflattering that goes on in the facility.