2026-11-12 · Source: Risk & Insurance Magazine
Summary in 3 Points • Automation and robotics are improving productivity but also introducing new injury risks in manufacturing environments. • A cyberattack on Jaguar Land Rover in August 2025 halted production for five weeks, impacting the supply chain significantly. • Underwriters are now focusing on operational technology (OT) risks due to increased interaction between workers and automated equipment. --- The integration of automation and robotics in manufacturing is enhancing productivity while simultaneously introducing new risks, particularly concerning worker safety. Experts note that while these technologies can reduce ergonomic injuries, they also create hazards, such as automated equipment interacting dangerously with human workers. This shift is prompting underwriters to reassess risk exposures, particularly in operational technology (OT), as the frequency of certain workers' compensation claims declines but new risks emerge. A notable example is the cyberattack on Jaguar Land Rover in August 2025, which resulted in a five-week production halt and significant supply chain disruptions. This incident highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity measures, especially as manufacturers increasingly rely on interconnected systems. Insurers are now recommending cyber policy extensions to cover potential physical damage from cyberattacks, indicating a shift in underwriting practices to address these evolving risks in the manufacturing sector. The focus on operational technology (OT) risks in manufacturing is reshaping underwriting practices, particularly in light of incidents like the August 2025 cyberattack on Jaguar Land Rover.
The focus on operational technology (OT) risks in manufacturing is reshaping underwriting practices, particularly in light of incidents like the August 2025 cyberattack on Jaguar Land Rover.