Collaboration between man and machine requires new standards in occupational safety, TÜV Rheinland maintains , as man still presents the greatest safety risk. Workplace accidents with cobots can most likely be prevented if employees are concerned not only about working effectively, but safely as well. Companies should also provide the best possible conditions, including good lighting and low noise levels to ensure workers are fully aware of the machine. Restricting access to the cobots area to just a few persons could also help to prevent distractions.

The Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies (VDE) has summarized the four established safety principles for man-machine interaction. Among other things, experts recommend creating a checklist of safety aspects at potential robot workstations. Employees should also be involved in the decision and design stages of such workstations.