Jaunumi

A wealth of sectors and types of jobs are using artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic systems to automate a range of tasks. This can improve occupational safety and health (OSH) and promote worker protection. However, these systems also pose several challenges and risks that need to be prevented and tackled. This article looks at both the potential and setbacks of task automation, current priority area of the 2023-25 Healthy Workplaces Campaign.

The potential of task automation to improve OSH
The opportunities presented by task automation in the workplace are varied, providing innovative ways to protect workers’ safety and health. Automation has the potential to carry out dangerous and complex procedures, preventing accidents and removing workers from high-risk environments. For instance, robots can handle toxic substances or be programmed to perform tasks that may harm workers such as welding and painting.

These technologies can also take over dull and repetitive tasks, freeing workers to focus on more creative activities. Like this, data entry or certain customer service chores can be delegated to automated systems, enabling employees to develop new skills through reskilling and upskilling. Additionally, this reduces both physical and cognitive workloads, lessening screen time and helping to prevent conditions like musculoskeletal disorders, therefore contributing to a more sustainable work environment.

Challenges and risks that need to be addressed
The boom in automation has also raised important concerns regarding workers’ safety and health, particularly due to the relatively low levels of OSH management associated with this emerging technology. Automating tasks at work can lead to diminished human situational awareness and overreliance on these systems, which may reduce workers’ attention and increase the risk of occupational accidents. Moreover, as technology advances, the potential benefit of reskilling workers to operate these systems becomes a double-edged sword, as there is a risk of losing important skills, while re-skilling could increase work-related stress. 

The emergence of psychosocial risks cannot be overlooked, as fears of job loss may arise. One quarter of workers using AI at work report feeling a loss of autonomy (OSH Pulse 2022), which, along with heightened feelings of isolation and lack of social interaction, contributes to an increasingly stressful work environment. This situation is exacerbated by increased surveillance and monitoring, such as automated tracking of the time spent on specific tasks.

Placing humans at the centre of task automation
Promoting a human-in-command approach to workplace digitalisation is essential in this context. By putting workers at the centre of digital technologies and involving them at all stages of the process, including during the implementation of task automation, we can ensure their safety and wellbeing at work.

• Explore our previous article for an introduction to automation of tasks at work.
• Take a look at all publications related to automation of tasks. Some new resources will come soon!
• #EUhealthyworkplaces continues on Facebook, X and LinkedIn.