A dispenser shutter assembly for an automated teller machine and an associated method of preventing damage to a shutter operating mechanism of the dispenser shutter assembly. The dispenser shutter assembly includes: a shutter plate; and a shutter operating mechanism that includes a motor assembly including a drive shaft mounting a worm gear and attached to a frame member by a pivotable mounting. The worm gear is moveable out of engagement with the worm segment by pivoting the motor assembly away from the frame member about the pivotable mounting. When the shutter plate is subject to an external force for moving the shutter plate to open a shutter from a closed position, the external force thereby applied to the worm gear by the worm segment moves the worm gear about the pivotable mounting out of engagement with the worm segment thereby preventing damage to the shutter operating mechanism.