Learn about 10 key obstacles of digitalization and how you can proactively address them to ensure workforce health and safety.
Digital technologies are reshaping the way companies approach occupational safety, offering new efficiencies and improvements in monitoring and control. However, unanticipated dangers are emerging, necessitating new approaches and solutions.
We’ve put together a helpful table below, revealing 10 key challenges that the digitalization of occupational safety presents. We’ve also included actionable suggestions for addressing those problems.
| challenge | solution |
1. an increasing variety of new ways of working Many new working arrangements do | occupational safety processes need to be adjusted to incorporate and account for the special characteristics that new types of work such as casual work, job sharing, portfolio work and freelancing entail |
2. disappearing restrictions on when and where work happens employers have less and less control of and influence over the working environment, ergonomics, rest breaks and social interactions that affect their workers. This newfound flexibility can ultimately lead to work invading the employee’s private life | pay more attention to workers and give them the freedom to make their own decisions and pursue ideas, make appropriate resources available and strengthen individual employee awareness of occupational safety |
3. employers unaware of the issues employers and executives may underestimate | increase the amount of attention you devote to working conditions, adjust communication and feedback practices and develop new approaches to changing processes |
4. increased mental strain this occurs due to information overload, pressure to be reachable 24/7, working processes being condensed, changing expectations from managers and customers, | Clear boundaries, transparent processes, a manageable workload, better communication, reliable information and adjustments to how feedback is delivered |
5. overloaded by modern technology artificial intelligence and machines that work independently can interfere with human engagement and cause undue stress to employees |
ensure safe interaction with modern technology by providing ongoing training and instruction so employees can develop needed competencies and creating employee tandems (e.g. younger with older, ICT-challenged with ICT-skilled) to foster a two-sided exchange of knowledge and experience as well as break down any anxiety employees have about working with modern technology
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6. inadequate risk assessment
| comprehensive risk assessments that account for all factors and how they interact to enable flexible custom solutions and improvements |
7. cooperation issues within the company
| communicate with all involved parties from the inception of an idea on to generate acceptance and allow all parties to have a fair say in the way work is arranged |
8. unclear allocation of responsibilities
| redefine responsibilities and clearly communicate them: who is held responsible when autonomous machines make mistakes? the manufacturer, the employer or the employee? |
9. inadequate data protection
| rethink processes and step up the level of attention and caution around how private data, information and knowhow are handled, shared and saved |
10. lack of transparency and clarity
| deepen awareness for the necessary rethinking and reshaping of prior knowledge and processes to meet the changing circumstances of the present. include everyone |
managing mobile device usage and workplace expectations
Using mobile devices is second nature at work. So it’s important to set clear guidelines around their use. Establish firm rules for mobile devices, delegate responsibilities, and clarify working conditions to ensure employees understand both their boundaries and their expectations in this digital era.
training employees for digital work environments
The growing reliance on digital systems requires ongoing training. It’s crucial to ensure that employees are prepared to operate new technologies and systems safely. Regular training, coupled with clear process communication, helps prevent accidents and errors as workplaces become more digitalized.
transparency and collaboration in automated processes
Automation has made certain tasks more efficient, but your employees must still play a role in monitoring and managing automated systems. Establish mechanisms that allow employees to intervene when necessary and make processes transparent to foster collaboration between human and automated tasks.
balancing flexibility and well-being
Digital tools offer greater flexibility in work arrangements. However, this flexibility requires clear guidelines and proper resources to maintain employee well-being. Establish clear break schedules and provide ergonomic support to ensure employees working longer hours or in new patterns can maintain their physical and mental health.
leveraging sensors for risk detection
Sensors can help identify hazards in real time, enhancing safety in digital workplaces. By installing these detection systems, you can proactively manage risks, ensuring that potential dangers are addressed before they result in accidents or injuries.
creating a culture of prevention in the digital workplace
A culture of prevention is more important than ever in a digital workplace. You must focus on continuous safety improvements by fostering awareness, encouraging employee participation, and implementing proactive safety measures that adapt to evolving technological landscapes.
enhancing workplace safety with AMCS
The digitalization of occupational safety presents both opportunities and challenges. By adopting proactive measures, providing thorough training, and leveraging technology like sensors and automation, companies can enhance safety and ensure the well-being of their workforce.
It’s essential to stay on top of all occupational safety processes. AMCS EHS Management can help you approach these new challenges, enhancing safety while reducing costs and saving time. (Customer surveys show users cut their time spent by up to 50%.)
Learn more now – contact us. You can also see for yourself how it makes your EHS tasks easier. Request a free demo now.