Maintenance tech Wanda Holbrook killed when assembly-line robotics activated during service, Ionia MI (2015)
[INJURY]Jul 7, 2015 · FANUC Corporation · FANUC M-20iD · Worldwide (1M+ installed)
Failure Mode
INJURY
Event Date
Jul 7, 2015
Primary Entity
FANUC Corporation
Robotic Platform
FANUC M-20iD
Jurisdiction / Location
Worldwide (1M+ installed)
Audit Standard
Physical State Verified
Incident Abstract & Audit Findings
In July 2015 maintenance technician Wanda Holbrook was killed at the Ventra Ionia Main auto-parts plant in Ionia, Michigan when robotics in an adjacent cell unexpectedly entered her work area and crushed her head during routine maintenance. Her widower's wrongful-death suit named the equipment makers, including FANUC and integrator Prodomax.
System & Fleet Architecture
Operating Manufacturer
Hardware Platform
Operational Sectors
Primary Sources & Evidentiary Filings
- Inspect Filing
https://www.courthousenews.com/work-robot-blamed-michigan-womans-death/
https://www.courthousenews.com/work-robot-blamed-michigan-womans-death/
- Inspect Filing
https://www.osha.gov/ords/imis/accidentsearch.html
https://www.osha.gov/ords/imis/accidentsearch.html
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Details
Incident Context & FAQ
What happened in Maintenance tech Wanda Holbrook killed when assembly-line robotics activated during service, Ionia MI (2015)?
In July 2015 maintenance technician Wanda Holbrook was killed at the Ventra Ionia Main auto-parts plant in Ionia, Michigan when robotics in an adjacent cell unexpectedly entered her work area and crushed her head during routine maintenance. Her widower's wrongful-death suit named the equipment makers, including FANUC and integrator Prodomax.
When did this incident occur?
The incident is recorded as occurring on July 7, 2015 on the DEPLOY registry. The date reflects the underlying real-world event, not the registry record's creation date.
What robot was involved in Maintenance tech Wanda Holbrook killed when assembly-line robotics activated during service, Ionia MI (2015)?
FANUC M-20iD by FANUC Corporation is the recorded robot involved in this incident at Worldwide (1M+ installed).
Has anyone responded to Maintenance tech Wanda Holbrook killed when assembly-line robotics activated during service, Ionia MI (2015)?
No responses to this incident are recorded on the DEPLOY registry. Operators, manufacturers, or affected parties can submit responses to the editorial team; absence is not a guarantee no response was issued.
What is the current status of Maintenance tech Wanda Holbrook killed when assembly-line robotics activated during service, Ionia MI (2015)?
This incident is an active record on the DEPLOY registry; no retraction or correction has been issued.