Publications

New technologies, such as Wearables are electronic devices with sensors and computational capacity (e.g. smart watches, data glasses, or other devices with embedded sensors or tags), which can be placed on different body parts to gather data to be fed into other digital systems for processing purposes. They can be used to analyse physiological and psychological data such as feelings, sleep, movements, heart rate, body temperature and blood pressure, via applications either installed on the device itself or on external devices, such as smartphones connected to the cloud. and specialised smartphone apps, are increasingly being adopted in the worplace. As well as improving safety and health at work, digital OSH monitoring solutions can be used to support inclusion and diversity in the workplace, by strengthening the integration a broad range of groups of workers, including older workers, migrant workers with low language skills, pregnant women, neurodiverse workers and young workers.

This policy brief outlines how such systems can better address the needs of specific groups of workers to ensure their unhindered and safe participation. Training, clear and open communication, and direct worker involvement are key to the successful implementation of digital OSH monitoring tools in the workplace.