Workplace partners urged to seize the day

The world of work is ever changing and never stops. So, it’s important to keep one day for reflection. We should use that day to consider the safety, health and wellbeing of everyone who works. Importantly, we should raise awareness of what could cause harm and how to prevent it. This is especially true as workers become increasingly exposed to new digital technologies and, consequently, new experiences of working.

Well, that day is today, 28 April. It is both World Day for Safety and Health at Work (World Day) and International Commemoration Day for Dead and Injured Workers. The latter is probably better known as International Workers Memorial Day (IWMD). World Day was started by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2003. The global trade union movement has organised IWMD annually since 1996 to honour and remember the workers who have died or been injured at work.

World Day for Safety and Health at Work

With the theme for this year’s World Day being the impact of digitalisation and AI on workers’ safety and health, the ILO is both launching a report and staging a special online global event on the day (12:30–14:00 GMT). The report showcases how digitalisation and AI are reshaping OSH systems across business sectors and countries. The online event, featuring Ruth Wilkinson – IOSH Head of Policy and Public Affairs - as one of 10 panellists, will bring together a global community of stakeholders and experts.

IOSH stages its own webinar on the issue on Monday 12 May (12:20 GMT), ‘The Impact of Digitalisation and AI on Worker Safety and Health’. After an introduction by IOSH President Kelly Nicoll, the event will feature panellists from Europe, the UK, Kenya, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Canada.

The focus will be on how new technologies are transforming occupational safety and health (OSH). Examples include:

task automation
smart OSH tools and monitoring systems
extended reality and virtual reality
the algorithmic management of work.

Ruth Wilkinson points to the many opportunities brought by digital technologies. These include the following.

Employing robots or drones instead of workers to work in hazardous conditions.
Using exoskeletons when undertaking heavy lifting.
Tapping into AI and machine learning when managing toxic materials.
Using digital technology when work is carried out in extreme temperatures.

“But, as with any change in work operations when introducing new equipment and tasks, new hazards and risks may be introduced. Therefore, if not properly planned, risk-assessed, consulted on and managed from an OSH perspective, AI and digital technology can have serious consequences. They can cause accidents, lead to ill health and create ergonomic risks, work intensification, reduced job control and a blurring of boundaries. We need to ensure safety and health is designed in across the life-cycle,” says Ruth.

International Workers Memorial Day

IWMD gives 28 April an even stronger OSH focus as it commemorates everyone who has died, been injured, or suffered illnesses due to their work. The day calls for renewed fight and commitment to make work safer for everyone. As the Trades Union Congress points out, every year more people are killed at work than in wars.

IOSH’s Dr Ivan Williams Jimenez urges others not to take occupational safety and health provisions and protections for granted. He warns us that more countries are playing down and lowering OSH standards. There is a worryingly growing tendency to incorrectly label health and safety as burdensome and over-regulated. This can only increase the risk of injury and illness at work.

“Deregulation or cuts to red tape should never be allowed to erode well-established rights,” he says.

“Every individual deserves to work in an environment that prioritises their safety, health and wellbeing.”