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Industrial Robots, Workers' Safety, and Health

Author

Listed:
  • Rania Gihleb
  • Osea Giuntella
  • Luca Stella
  • Tianyi Wang

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between the adoption of industrial robots and workplace injuries. Using establishment-level data on injuries, we find that a one standard deviation increase in our commuting zone-level measure of robot exposure reduces work-related annual injury rates by approximately 1.2 cases per 100 workers. US commuting zones more exposed to robot penetration experience a significant increase in drug- or alcohol-related deaths and mental health problems. Employing longitudinal data from Germany, we exploit within-individual changes in robot exposure and document that a one standard deviation change in robot exposure led to a 4% decline in physical job intensity and a 5% decline in disability, but no evidence of significant effects on mental health and work and life satisfaction.

Suggested Citation

  • Rania Gihleb & Osea Giuntella & Luca Stella & Tianyi Wang, 2022. "Industrial Robots, Workers' Safety, and Health," NBER Working Papers 30180, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:30180
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General
    • J0 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - General
    • J28 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Safety; Job Satisfaction; Related Public Policy

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