Uudised

In an insightful interview with EU-OSHA media partner PuntoSicuro, the Agency’s Senior Research Project Manager in the Prevention and Research Unit, Dr. Maurizio Curtarelli, dives into remote and hybrid work, the priority area of the Healthy Workplaces Campaign (HWC) 2023-25 'Safe and healthy work in the digital age' currently in the spotlight. This increasingly popular work model has introduced a new landscape of opportunities and challenges for both workers and employers.

Dr. Curtarelli defines remote work as any job facilitated through digital technologies, allowing workers to operate outside traditional workplaces. This includes home-based work as well as roles using advanced tools like virtual reality. Hybrid work, combining time at the workplace and remote locations, has also gained traction. The expert stresses that each model presents unique risks and requires tailored safety measures.

Dr. Curtarelli highlights how remote work can exacerbate ergonomic issues, as workers often lack proper office setups. Many workers during the pandemic were seen working from couches or kitchen tables, leading to discomfort and long-term strain. Psychosocial risks, such as isolation and stress, are also prevalent. Moreover, remote work can lead to burnout, particularly for those balancing work and household responsibilities, with women often bearing a disproportionate burden. 

To mitigate these risks, the expert emphasises the responsibility of employers to assess the safety and health of remote and hybrid workers, even outside the office. He also stresses the importance of cooperation between workers and employers in ensuring a safe work environment and using digital tools for home office assessments. A specific OiRA tool, developed by EU-OSHA to help conduct online risk assessments for workers at home, was highlighted in the interview as a valuable resource.

As remote and hybrid work continue to evolve, Dr. Curtarelli underlines the value of ongoing dialogue and adaptation. While new technologies, like virtual reality, offer exciting opportunities, they also bring new risks that need further study. EU-OSHA’s commitment to research and resources remains vital in safeguarding workers’ wellbeing in this changing work environment.

The full interview is available in Italian on PuntoSicuro’s website and can also be watched on YouTube.