The future of OSH: a wealth of chances and risks

Occupational Safety and Health 5.0—A Model for Multilevel Strategic Deployment Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals of Agenda 2030

The concept of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) is evolving towards Industry 5.0 (I5.0), where the human factor is the central axis for the formation of smart cyber-physical socio-technical systems that are integrated into their physical and cultural host environment. This situation generates a new work ecosystem with a radical change in the methods, processes and development scenarios and, therefore, in the occupational risks to which safety science must respond. In this paper, a historical review of the evolution of work as a complex socio-technical system formalised through Vygostky’s theory of Activity and the contributions of safety science is carried out, for its projection in the analysis of the future of complex systems as an opportunity for safety research linked to the current labour context in transformation. Next, the Horizon 2020 strategies for Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) at the European level are analysed to extract the lessons learned and extrapolate them towards the proposed model, and subsequently the conceptual frameworks that are transforming work and Occupational Risk Prevention (ORP) in the transition to Industry 4.0 are identified and reviewed. Finally, a model is formulated that formalises the deployment of public policies and multi-level and multi-scale OSH 5.0 strategies within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations (UN) for Horizon 2030.

A Global Review of Implementation of Occupational Safety and Health Management Systems for the Period 1970 to 2020

BACKGROUND

Global awareness on Occupational Safety and Health management systems (OSHMSs) has been increasing exponentially with time over the years. Evidence on the public domain shows that there is still much skepticism and reluctance on implementing OSHMSs, particularly in the least developed and developing countries. The primary objective of the theoretical review was to analyze the available evidence of research gaps on OSHMSs implementation globally over the period 1970 to 2020.

METHODS

The review adopted a descriptive mixed methods design premised on its ability to provide a platform for data triangulation that is paramount in enhancing the authenticity of the review findings.

RESULTS

Many studies conducted on implementation of OSHMSs were bereft of examining the challenges of OSHMSs implementation. The review further exposed some OSHMSs implementation disparities existing between the developed and the developing world, hence a conclusion can be drawn that a 'one size fits all approach' to OSHMS implementation may not ideal for many workplaces.

CONCLUSION

This review recommends contextualization of OSHMSs implementation taking into consideration other differing environmental factors. Ultimately, the review recommends propagation of further research that will exude the challenges associated with implementation of OSHMSs and their causal factors thereby providing the basis for establishment of problem driven solutions to increase uptake of OSHMSs at workplaces.

The occupational health and safety dimension of Industry 4.0

Background:

In recent years, an increase in the worldwide demand for consumer goods and the need for a sustainable type of manufacturing have led to the so-called “fourth industrial revolution” or Industry 4.0. This 4.0 technological revolution, designed to make industrial production more efficient, more flexible and of higher quality, is characterized by greater automation and computerization. This trend will inevitably affect the way work is organized and carried out, and may affect the health and safety of workers.

Objectives:

To provide a comprehensive overview of the opportunities and problematical aspects of Industry 4.0 in relation to the health and safety of workers.

Methods:

We conducted a critical review of the literature currently available on this topic.

Results:

Automated machines and robots can either replace workers or sustain them by making their tasks more flexible, safer, and socially more inclusive. On the other hand, workers will be engaged in tasks requiring decision-making, responsibility and management, as well as man-machine interaction that will expose them both to health and safety risks intrinsically related to automated tools and to greater psychosocial stress.

Discussion:

Occupational health professionals, responsible for safeguarding health in the workplace, should make an adequate assessment of the risks attributable to 4.0 tools and should promote and protect the health and safety of workers through careful risk management based on continuous occupational training and information.