The impact of introducing new technology into the workplace
Explore the benefits of new technologies, and the emerging hazards that need consideration.
Hazards caused by new technologies
New chemical materials
Different types of hazards have been identified when using new technology including:
- chemical exposure to new glues in construction
- plasticisers
- chemical additives
- nanomaterials.
Human-machine interfaces
Exposure to hazards from poor ergonomics is a risk in manufacturing and office environments.
Employers need to make sure the human-machine interface is designed to fit human needs—both in terms of physical fit, and increased cognitive loading.
Robotics
The use of robots that work alongside humans in infectious patient care and in high dust environments has been proposed.
While robots have been used in military and space contexts—for example, in bomb disposal—their use in civilian contexts is still being researched.
Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology presents us with some opportunities to improve worker health and safety—for example, self-cleaning windows or self-cleaning paints that reduce the need for workers to climb ladders.
However, nanoparticles may have unexpected health impacts to humans as they can be absorbed more easily due to their size.
Online technology
Due to increased digitalisation and mobile technology, there is a risk of blurred boundaries between work and home life. This increases psychosocial risk such as work-related stress, which results from two issues:
- a need to feel ‘always on’
- the increased monitoring of workers using advanced technology.
While some technology such as vehicle trackers are important for safety reasons, monitoring people at work through computers is not recommended.
Potential benefits of technology in the workplace
Increased efficiency
By increasing the efficiency of workplaces through the use of technology, businesses can enhance the accuracy and speed in which tasks are performed.
Technologies within the workplace can reduce the physical labour needs associated with repetitive tasks and reduce the likelihood of error. Further, the use of technology can lead to efficient decision-making, helping businesses to produce higher levels of productivity.
Decreased work stress
Technology use can automate many tasks, improving efficiency and reducing the need for manual labour. This allows employees to focus on other more complex tasks.
Reducing the need for humans to complete repetitive tasks frees up time for them, and enables a better work-life balance.
Increased revenue and profits
Using technologies can add monetary value to businesses and create job opportunities for people in certain industries.
New Zealand is constantly expanding its use of technologies in the workplace and is being recognised globally for innovative and proactive uses of technology. This has increased trading with offshore companies and lead to higher profits for many businesses (OECD, 2021).
Flexible working environments
Remote and hybrid working arrangements were essential during the pandemic. The development of software, such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, has meant that workers have been able to remain connected even when not physically present within working spaces.
Such working conditions can foster a more inclusive environment that accommodates those who may not necessarily have access to the office due to life circumstances or geographical location (Hopkins & Bardoel, 2023).
Environmental impact
The use of technology can also contribute to environmental sustainability, with initiatives that manage energy usage and reduce waste contributing to more environmentally-conscious workplaces (Dwivedi, 2022).
Remote and hybrid working, which has been made possible through technology, can reduce the negative environmental impacts associated with vehicular commuting (Marz & Şen, 2022).
Improved working conditions and better health outcomes
The design and implementation of certain technologies has enabled better health and wellbeing outcomes for workers.
For example, exoskeletons—a wearable device that provides physical support while undertaking physically demanding tasks—has helped to improve the safety of workers (Baldassarre et al., 2022).
The use of robotic picking systems in warehouses has also reduced the need for manual handling in these environments.
Occupational exoskeletons
Passive or active body-worn assistive devices could reduce the mechanical load applied on the lower back (lumbar support robot) and shoulders (upper active exoskeleton) when automation is not available or possible.
Such active-passive assistive devices can reduce the physical workload on a worker's back or shoulder, but may have detrimental physiological and psychosocial effects—like an increased cardiovascular demand and local discomfort, or lack of social acceptability and stigmatisation (Theurel et al., 2018).
Prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs)
Digital technologies and new forms of AI may create new OSH risks—but may also offer opportunities to improve the prevention of WRMSDs in various ways.
For example, they can reduce physically demanding tasks (for example, through the use of an exoskeleton) and repetitive or routine tasks (through the use of robots and cobots) while, in some cases, providing higher levels of autonomy and flexibility.
Appropriate health and safety training for practitioners and workers can help to update their skills in these new digital and virtual work environments, which in turn can help to reduce accidents and promote occupational health and wellbeing.