NIOSH: millions of US workers are isolated at work; factory robot density nearly doubles
Research · NIOSH
NIOSH's October 2026 eNews reports that in 2023 between 7 and 36 million US workers were physically isolated at work and 2 to 10 million socially isolated. It also notes robot density in US manufacturing rose from 176 per 10,000 employees in 2015 to 307 in 2024.
NIOSH's October 2026 eNews highlights two new findings about the future of work.
Isolation at work
The study "No Worker Is an Island" estimates that in 2023 in the United States:
- 7 million to 36 million workers were physically isolated at work, with the highest share among fallers in forestry.
- 2 million to 10 million workers were socially isolated.
- More than half of meat, poultry and fish cutters reported no required contact with other people.
Rising robot density
Citing the International Federation of Robotics, robot density in US manufacturing rose from 176 per 10,000 employees in 2015 to 307 in 2024. NIOSH's Center for Occupational Robotics Research is studying demolition and masonry robots in construction.
For HSE engineers: lone working and human–robot collaboration deserve closer attention in risk assessments.
Further material and files
Based on: NIOSH