Emerging technology use in the workplace

New technologies may help us work safer and more efficiently—however, we don't yet understand the affect they could have on the health of workers.

Evaluating and using emerging technologies

It's important to take a precautionary approach to the introduction and use of new technologies. Find recommendations for best practice approaches.

The impact of introducing new technology into the workplace

Explore the benefits of new technologies, and the emerging hazards that need consideration.

Risks associated with emerging technologies

Explore the societal risks associated with the introduction of new workplace technologies—like the loss of work, technology dependence, and security concerns.

The benefits and challenges of new technologies

Emerging technology has the potential to transform the way we work. Technologies including the internet and artificial intelligence (AI) have become ingrained in many job processes. And, as evolution shows, we must adapt if we’re to survive in the long term.

While technology may increase productivity by automating repetitive tasks and improving work performance, there may be other impacts we do not understand yet.

Industry 4.0—the fourth Industrial Revolution, described as increasing technology and digitalisation—may open opportunities for improved health and safety by reducing physically demanding work and removing workers from hazardous environments.

However, there are concerns that AI could reduce human flexibility through its need for consistency, creating dull work for humans. Technology could also create challenges for human workers through social isolation and other psychosocial risks.

Managers and practitioners are now faced with new choices around technology—all while we are still learning about the unintended consequences of technology use.  For example, we can reduce the physical demands of a task, but we don't yet know what impact this could have on psychosocial factors.

Advances in technology need to be supported by skills training and policies in the workplace, and any introduction of new technology needs to evaluated to ensure it is fit for purpose—for both the human, and the work in hand.

Feedback

To find out more about the Wellbeing at Work initiative, or to give us your feedback on the early material, contact Professor Joanne Crawford.

Professor of Health and Safety
School of Health

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