A safety arrangement for a dishwashing appliance and an associated apparatus are provided. The dishwashing appliance has a door covering a forward access opening of a tub in a closed position. A sump assembly about a lower end of the tub receives washing fluid therein, and a lower spray arm is rotatable about an axis about the lower end. The lower spray arm is configured to spray washing fluid from the sump assembly toward the tub. A control device actuates the lower spray arm to spray the washing fluid. A detection device interacts with the lower spray arm, and directs the control device to prevent actuation of the lower spray arm in response to the detection device detecting an abnormal displacement of the lower spray arm and/or a force applied to the lower spray arm, both with respect to the axis, with the door in the closed position.