Revolutionizing health and safety: The role of AI and digitalization at work

Ended
Geneva
Female human face and robot face looking at each other

AI and digital tools are revolutionizing occupational safety and health. Today, robots are operating in hazardous environments, doing the heavy lifting, managing toxic materials and working in extreme temperatures. They take on repetitive and monotonous tasks, while digital devices and sensors can detect hazards early on. At the same time, in the absence of adequate OSH measures, digital technologies can lead to accidents, ergonomic risks, work intensification, reduced job control and blurred boundaries. 

On the occasion of World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2025 this event brings together ILO constituents and international experts to explore how AI and digitalization are reshaping OSH systems across sectors and countries.

Opening remarks

Photo of Joaquim Pintado Nunes
Joaquim Pintado Nunes
Branch Chief, Occupational Safety and Health and Working Environment Branch (OSHE), International Labour Organization (ILO)

Panelists

Photo of Manal Azzi
Manal Azzi
Team Lead, Occupational Safety and Health and Working Environment Branch (OSHE), International Labour Organization (ILO)
Photo of William Cockburn
William Cockburn
Executive Director, European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA)
Photo of Rory O’Neill
Rory O’Neill
Health and safety adviser, Global Unions, International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC)
Photo of Leonardo L. Pucheta
Leonardo L. Pucheta
Assistant Manager of Technological Innovation Applied to Prevention, Superintendency of Labour Risks, Argentina, Argentina
Photo of Kris de Meester
Kris de Meester
Senior Advisor, Federation of Enterprises in Belgium
Photo of Maurizio Curtarelli
Maurizio Curtarelli
Expert, European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA)
Photo of Francesco Rotondi
Francesco Rotondi
Chair, OSH Observatory, Italian Economic and Labour Council (CNEL), Italy, Italy
Photo of Silas Sng
Silas Sng
Divisional Director, Occupational Safety and Health Division, Singapore, Ministry of Manpower
Photo of Ruth Wilkinson
Ruth Wilkinson
Head of Health and Safety (Policy and Operations)
Photo of Sascha Wischniewski
Sascha Wischniewski
Head of Unit Human Factors, Ergonomics, Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin) (BAuA)
Photo of Charlotte Hutton
Charlotte Hutton
Expert, Safetytech Accelerator

Closing remarks

Photo of Vera Paquete-Perdigao
Vera Paquete-Perdigao
Governance Department Director, International Labour Organization (ILO)