Events

OSH in the Age of (AI) AI refers to systems that display intelligent behaviour by analysing their environment and taking actions – with some degree of autonomy – to achieve specific goals. AI-based systems can be purely software-based, acting in the virtual world (e.g. voice assistants, image analysis software, search engines, speech and face recognition systems) or AI can be embedded in hardware devices (e.g. advanced robots, autonomous cars, drones or Internet of things applications).   

The ETUI Annual Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Conference returns with a timely and critical focus: OSH in the Age of (AI) AI refers to systems that display intelligent behaviour by analysing their environment and taking actions – with some degree of autonomy – to achieve specific goals. AI-based systems can be purely software-based, acting in the virtual world (e.g. voice assistants, image analysis software, search engines, speech and face recognition systems) or AI can be embedded in hardware devices (e.g. advanced robots, autonomous cars, drones or Internet of things applications). ( AI refers to systems that display intelligent behaviour by analysing their environment and taking actions – with some degree of autonomy – to achieve specific goals. AI-based systems can be purely software-based, acting in the virtual world (e.g. voice assistants, image analysis software, search engines, speech and face recognition systems) or AI can be embedded in hardware devices (e.g. advanced robots, autonomous cars, drones or Internet of things applications). ). AI, digitalisation, Datasets characterised by volume (large size), velocity (constantly growing), and variety (structured and unstructured form such as texts), which are often used by artificial intelligence machines. , robotics, Machine learning is a branch of artificial intelligence dealing with how computers can learn, grow and improve on their own from data without human intervention. , A worker management system where simple (i.e. without ‘intelligence’) algorithms and digital technologies (e.g. worker-monitoring devices, computers or face recognition software) are used to manage workers in an automated or semi-automated manner. It provides the means to automate a large number of worker management tasks (e.g. schedule-making, shift- making and worker monitoring through wearable devices). AI-based worker management involves the intelligence simulation necessary to deal with uncertainty (e.g. providing different outputs based on changes in the environment), whereas algorithmic management is deterministic in nature (i.e. it always provides the same output, given the same input). , augmented reality, the internet of things and other related developments become increasingly embedded in the workplace with AI as the most disruptive and fastest evolving among the technologies involved. AI is not only transforming how work is organised and performed but it also raises critical questions for workers’ safety and health.  

AI refers to systems that display intelligent behaviour by analysing their environment and taking actions – with some degree of autonomy – to achieve specific goals. AI-based systems can be purely software-based, acting in the virtual world (e.g. voice assistants, image analysis software, search engines, speech and face recognition systems) or AI can be embedded in hardware devices (e.g. advanced robots, autonomous cars, drones or Internet of things applications). goes beyond simple Use of systems or technical procedures to allow a device or system to execute (partially or fully) a function that was previously, or conceivably could be, carried out (partially or fully) by a human. or digitisation. It enables systems that learn, predict, and make decisions – often in opaque and unpredictable ways – that can deeply affect health and safety at work. And while such technologies promise efficiency and innovation, they also introduce uncertainty, the risk of unsafe conditions, psychosocial risks, and shifts in control over the wok environment away from workers. These developments demand urgent attention to make sure that the future is both smart and safe. AI manifests in in the workplace in many forms, like  

• Machinery which automates physical work and reshapes the material conditions of the workplace;  
• AI refers to systems that display intelligent behaviour by analysing their environment and taking actions – with some degree of autonomy – to achieve specific goals. AI-based systems can be purely software-based, acting in the virtual world (e.g. voice assistants, image analysis software, search engines, speech and face recognition systems) or AI can be embedded in hardware devices (e.g. advanced robots, autonomous cars, drones or Internet of things applications). tools such as generative or predictive systems that may alter how cognitive tasks are performed; and
• Systems for A worker management system where simple (i.e. without ‘intelligence’) algorithms and digital technologies (e.g. worker-monitoring devices, computers or face recognition software) are used to manage workers in an automated or semi-automated manner. It provides the means to automate a large number of worker management tasks (e.g. schedule-making, shift- making and worker monitoring through wearable devices). AI-based worker management involves the intelligence simulation necessary to deal with uncertainty (e.g. providing different outputs based on changes in the environment), whereas algorithmic management is deterministic in nature (i.e. it always provides the same output, given the same input). which uses data-driven decision-making to govern work organisation, time, and performance—often with limited transparency. 

The conference will examine how AI refers to systems that display intelligent behaviour by analysing their environment and taking actions – with some degree of autonomy – to achieve specific goals. AI-based systems can be purely software-based, acting in the virtual world (e.g. voice assistants, image analysis software, search engines, speech and face recognition systems) or AI can be embedded in hardware devices (e.g. advanced robots, autonomous cars, drones or Internet of things applications). is reshaping safety and health at work across different industries with a special focus on AI. It will examine what a truly safe and healthy digital transition might look like.  It will also offer a space for critical discussion on how European policies and regulation, including the AI Act and the Platform Work Directive, can contribute to a preventive and worker-centred governance of AI. 

Gathering trade unionists, researchers, policymakers and social partners, this conference, open to the public, aims to foster a deeper understanding of how AI affects OSH across sectors, and to identify concrete ways forward to ensure the digital transition is not only efficient but also safe, inclusive and fair. 

Interpretation will be provided in: English, French, Italian, and Spanish. 

Please note that the event will take place in person.