Amazon workers hospitalized after warehouse robot releases bear repellent

[Wingnut]

So, was this a mistake... an accident?
Or did this robot get confused regarding the timing of the robot uprising?


An Amazon robot tore open a can of bear repellant at the company's New Jersey warehouse on Wednesday, hospitalizing 24 workers. One employee is in critical condition, according to ABC News, while 30 others were treated on the scene. The 1.3-million-square-foot Amazon fulfilment center in the town of Robbinsville, New Jersey, employs more than 3,000 people.

A preliminary investigation determined that the bear repellant, which is like pepper spray for aggressive or charging bears, fell off a shelf. But a spokesperson for Robbinsville Township further clarified that an automated machine punctured the 9-ounce can, releasing its toxic fumes. Amazon sells different types of bear repellant on its online shopping site.

In a statement released Wednesday evening, Amazon said that all of the sick employees were "expected to be released from the hospital within the next 24 hours." It added: "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 workers hospitalized after warehouse robot releases bear repellent

[RoosGirl]

Sounds like the practical joke programming needs some adjustment.

[the_doc]

Bad, bad Robot.  He needs to sit in a corner and read Asimov's Rules.

[thackney]

tore open a can of bear repellent

That stuff really is a can of whoop-ass...

[Polly Ticks]

[roamer_1]

Up here they call it 'seasoning'...

[rangerrebew]

Amazon warehouse robot pepper sprays 24 employees, sends them all to the hospital, one in critical condition

Monday, December 10, 2018 by: Isabelle Z.   
 

(Natural News) An unfortunate “robot mishap” was behind a bear repellant spray incident at an Amazon warehouse that sent dozens of workers to the hospital.

The accident comes at a time when many Amazon warehouse workers are already on edge as they see robots increasingly taking over their tasks and threatening their jobs, and now they have a whole new reason to be wary of the machines.

The incident occurred last week at a New Jersey Amazon warehouse when a robot punctured a nine-ounce aerosol can of bear repellent. Fifty workers were sickened, 24 workers were hospitalized, and one was intubated and placed in intensive care in critical condition. According to a statement from Amazon, other employees were treated on scene. Many of the complaints involved breathing problems and burning in the throat and eyes.

https://www.naturalnews.com/2018-12-10-amazon-warehouse-robot-pepper-sprays-24-employees.html