Revolutionizing health and safety: The role of AI and digitalization at work
This global report by the International Labour Organization explores the intersection of digitalization, artificial intelligence, and occupational safety and health (OSH) at work. It examines the opportunities and risks associated with emerging technologies such as automation, robotics, smart monitoring systems, and algorithmic management across various sectors. Furthermore, the report details global, regional, and national policy responses, regulatory gaps, and workplace-level strategies for fostering safe and healthy digitalized work environments.
Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.
Who issued it
Who it governs
Governments, employers, workers, OSH professionals, and researchers seeking guidance on navigating the impacts of digital transformation on workplace safety and health.
What the document contains
The report covers the impacts of digitalization and AI on occupational safety and health, analyzing five technological categories: automation and advanced robotics, smart OSH tools and monitoring systems, extended and virtual reality, algorithmic management, and changing work arrangements. It also addresses global and national policy responses, regulatory frameworks, risk assessments, and workplace-level preventive strategies.
Binding international legislation or specific technological design mandates for artificial intelligence systems.
- Digitalization and artificial intelligence offer significant opportunities to enhance occupational safety and health by removing workers from hazardous environments and streamlining physical and cognitive tasks.
- New digital technologies also introduce potential risks, including ergonomic challenges, mechanical failures, work intensification, continuous surveillance, and technostress.
- Existing OSH regulatory frameworks and fundamental ILO standards provide an essential baseline, but many countries are updating policies to specifically cover advanced robotics, algorithmic management, and platform work.
- A proactive, worker-centred approach involving social dialogue, risk assessment, and continuous training is critical to ensuring that digital innovation leads to safer and healthier workplaces.
· Executive summary · 1. How digitalization is transforming safety and health at work · 2. Addressing OSH in the Digital Era: Policies, Gaps, and Collaborative Efforts
How it scores
Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.
Accountability
3/5Clear responsibility for AI outcomes
Existing OSH frameworks, including ILO OSH standards, remain essential for safeguarding the right to a safe and healthy working environment in the digital era.
Executive summary
screening score · 2026-10-23
Fairness
3/5Non-discrimination and equitable treatment
Additionally, AI-driven performance evaluations may contribute to job insecurity, as workers fear automation-driven assessments could replace human judgement, affecting promotions and job stability
1.1 Automation and advanced robotics
screening score · 2026-10-23
Human Dignity
3/5Respect for the inherent worth of persons
By adopting a collaborative, forward-looking, and worker-centred approach, stakeholders can ensure digital innovation leads to safer, healthier, and more sustainable workplaces
Executive summary
screening score · 2026-10-23
Human Oversight
4/5Humans remain in control of consequential decisions
Digital tools like AI-driven analytics, real-time monitoring, and predictive modelling can enhance risk assessments and OSH strategies but must complement - not replace - human judgement in OSH practices.
Executive summary
screening score · 2026-10-23
Privacy
3/5Protection of personal data and private life
The constant monitoring of physiological and biometric data may also lead to anxiety, as workers feel pressured to maintain specific performance or health metrics.
1.2 Smart OSH tools and monitoring systems
screening score · 2026-10-23
Enforcement
4/5Consequences and compliance mechanisms with real force
Key areas of legal development include updating robotics safety regulations and human-robot interaction protocols to mitigate risks in collaborative work environments.
Executive summary
screening score · 2026-10-23
Impact Assessment
4/5Required assessment of an AI system's risks/impacts before or during use
At the workplace level, regular risk assessment and management remain essential to proactively addressing emerging digital risks.
Executive summary
screening score · 2026-10-23