World Health and Safety Day was initiated by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in 2003 and takes place annually on 28 April. The international awareness day aims to promote safe, healthy, and sustainable working environments for all workers around the world. It achieves this by encouraging organisations, governments, and individuals to come together to promote safe and healthy working conditions and to take action to protect workers from harm.
Each year, the World Day for Safety and Health at Work has a specific theme that focuses on a particular aspect of Occupational Health and Safety. This year’s theme is:
“Revolutionising Health and Safety: The Role of AI and Digitalisation at Work.”
This theme highlights the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies in enhancing Occupational Health and Safety standards globally.
The transformative potential of AI and digitalisation in Occupational Health and Safety
The integration of advanced technologies into the workplace offers organisations’ a wide range of tools to improve safety and health. Some of these include:
Advanced robots and automation
Robots can undertake hazardous tasks, thereby reducing human exposure to dangerous environments. For instance, drones are utilised for inspections in high-risk areas, minimising the need for workers to be physically present in potentially unsafe conditions.
Wearable Technologies and IoT
Wearable devices equipped with sensors can monitor workers’ vital signs and movements in real-time. This data can be analysed to detect signs of fatigue or unsafe postures, enabling timely interventions to prevent injuries.
Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR and VAR)
VR and AR technologies provide immersive training experiences, allowing workers to engage in realistic simulations of hazardous scenarios without actual risk. This enhances their preparedness and response to potential dangers in the workplace.
Challenges and considerations
While the benefits of AI and digitalisation are substantial, several challenges must be considered and addressed to ensure they are effectively and ethically implemented:
Data Privacy and surveillance
The deployment of AI systems often involves extensive data collection, raising concerns about employee privacy. Instances of “bossware,” or intrusive monitoring software, have been reported to negatively impact workers’ mental health, leading to increased stress and diminished well-being.
Overreliance and mental health
Dependence on AI tools can lead to information overload, potentially overwhelming workers and impairing their performance and recovery. Additionally, excessive reliance on AI may reduce social interactions among employees, affecting collaboration and workplace culture.
Job displacement and skill gaps
The automation of tasks traditionally performed by humans raises concerns about job security and the need for reskilling. Workers may require training to adapt to new roles that emerge as a result of technological advancements.
UK Legislation and regulatory landscape
In the United Kingdom, the regulatory approach to AI and digitalisation in the workplace is evolving. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulates AI applications impacting workplace health and safety. The HSE mandates that organisations conduct risk assessments for AI deployments affecting health and safety, implementing appropriate controls to mitigate risks as far as reasonably practicable.
AI Regulation Framework
The UK government has adopted a cross-sector, outcome-based framework for AI regulation, underpinned by five core principles: safety, security and robustness; appropriate transparency and explainability; fairness; accountability and governance; and contestability and redress. This framework guides regulators in applying existing laws to AI technologies within their respective domains.
Perceptions of AI in the health and safety sector
The adoption of AI in Occupational Health and Safety has elicited mixed reactions from professionals in the field:
Positive Outlook with Experience
Reduction in Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)
In 2023/24, 543,000 UK workers suffered from work-related MSDs, leading to 7.8 million lost working days. AI-powered wearables, such as exoskeletons, have been implemented to address this issue. A two-week trial at Clarendon House care home reported that workers felt less tired, no injuries occurred, and zero sick days were taken during the trial period.
Decreased Injury Risk for New Employees
Data indicates that within the first two months of employment, there is a 70% increased risk of injury, with one in eight workplace injuries occurring during this period. AI-driven wearable technologies provide real-time feedback and targeted training, effectively reducing these heightened injury risks among new staff.
On the other side
Recent studies indicate that perceptions of AI in the workplace vary among UK employees, with some expressing concerns about its impact on safety and well-being.
Safety Concerns
A YouGov survey commissioned by the British Safety Council revealed that 26% of both employers and employees believe AI could make workplaces less safe. While 26% of employers felt AI would enhance safety, only 13% of employees shared this optimism.
The 2025 World Day for Safety and Health at Work serves as an important moment to reflect on the impact of AI and digital technologies in Occupational Health and Safety. While these innovations have significant advantages for creating safer and more efficient workplaces, it is crucial to address the challenges and considerations. This will help to ensure ethical implementation, safeguarding employee well-being, and creating a culture within the workplace of continuous learning.
