Tehran – Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging digital technologies are contributing to improving occupational safety and health (OSH), operating in hazardous environments, providing heavy lifting, managing toxic materials, and working at extreme temperatures to promote efficiency in the workplace.
Therefore, this year, the World Day of Safety and Health in the Workplace, marked annually on April 28th, has been observed under the theme of “The Health and Safety Revolution: The Role of AI and Digitalization in the Workplace.”
The theme reveals how new technologies are transforming OSH, including task automation, the use of smart OSH tools and surveillance systems, augmented and virtual reality, and task algorithm management.
Digital devices and sensors can detect danger early, while new technologies take on repetitive, monotonous tasks. At the same time, in the absence of proper OSH measurements, digital technology can lead to accidents, ergonomic risks, enhanced jobs, reduced employment management, and blurry boundaries.
Digital transformation of work will further explore evolving work arrangements, such as telework and digital labor platforms.
World Day for Safety and Health in the Workplace is a awareness campaign aimed at focusing international attention on the magnitude of the problem and how promoting and creating a health and health culture can help reduce the number of deaths and injuries associated with work.
This day will promote the prevention of occupational accidents and illnesses worldwide. They also call for the prevention of new risks related to digitalization.
While robots are effectively tackling dangerous tasks, workers who maintain, repair or cooperate with these machines can face new dangers. Unpredictable robotic behavior, system failure, or cyber threats can undermine safety. Ergonomic risks can arise from human-robot interactions from the use of wearables and exo sales that lack proper fit, ease of use or comfort.
Worker involvement is essential at every stage of technology adoption. Training and awareness initiatives are key to ensuring the safe use of new technologies.