We examine the implications of robotics for warehouse worker safety. While warehouse automation has the potential to reduce injuries by eliminating high-risk tasks, it may also increase injuries among remaining non-automated tasks, due to reduced task variety and an accelerated pace of work. Our findings provide evidence of both effects: warehouse robotics are associated with a 40% decrease in severe injuries but a 77% increase in non-severe injuries. We provide subsequent evidence that the rise in non-severe injuries is at least partially attributable to the increased pace of work at robotics facilities. The implications of our findings for regulators, policymakers, workers, and firms are discussed within.
