Safety ROI: Rockwell Automation advises on machine safety cost benefits

Milwaukee, WI—Manufacturers can realize long-term financial benefits by integrating machine safety programs into their workplaces as a form of insurance against potential risks, according to a new white paper released by Rockwell Automation.

By Control Engineering Staff August 13, 2007

Milwaukee, WI —Manufacturers can realize long-term financial benefits by integrating machine safety programs into their workplaces as a form of insurance against potential risks, according to a new white paper released by Rockwell Automation . It looks at return on investment (ROI), summarizing how managing risk can reduce costs and increase productivity.

Rockwell Automation, which has a full line of safety automation products and services, explains the key elements of effective risk management and programs in the white paper: “Proving the Value of Safety: Justification and ROI of Safety Programs and Machine Safety Investments.” Topics include occupational safety issues related to products, machines, environment, and equipment. A review of worker’s compensation is included as well as recommendations for implementing a proactive safety program.

According to Rockwell’s Dan Hornbeck, manager, safety business development, “Safety measures help protect people as well as a company’s bottom line, because reducing accidents and safety incidents boosts morale, and less machine downtime means greater production. Every way you look at it, proactive safety measures make good business sense.”

Rockwell Automation is among vendors that offer products and technologies that can help with safety including those that use the EtherNet/IP Ethernet protocol, programmable logic controllers, and emergency stop devices, along with the experience to tailor them to customers’ needs, lowering risk, if needed. Hornbeck adds, “Our products are designed and built to global standards for high reliability, stability, and quality.”

Control Engineering offers a number of articles on machine safety available online now.

—Edited by Barb Axelson , contributing editor Control Engineering Weekly News ( Register here and scroll down to select your choice of eNewsletters free.)