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The European Water Jetting Institute (EWJI), an official campaign partner of the Healthy Workplaces Campaign (HWC) 2023-25 'Safe and healthy work in the digital age', has teamed up with EU-OSHA to spotlight the important topic of 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). ’s impact on occupational safety and health (OSH) in its recently published 2024 Yearbook.

The  article, by EU-OSHA Executive Director, William Cockburn, examines 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 revolutionising risk management, from predictive analytics that anticipate hazards to 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. that minimises human exposure to dangerous tasks. However, he also addresses the challenges posed by AI, such as worker privacy, and the potential for increased inequality. Emphasising the need for a balanced approach, he calls for collaboration between policymakers, industries, and workers to ensure that AI-driven advancements contribute to safer, more inclusive workplaces.

This contribution offers a timely perspective on the intersection of technology and workplace safety, providing actionable insights for industries grappling with rapid technological change.

The 2024 Yearbook is available both in print and online and can be accessed through registration on EWJI’s website.