The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) is calling for an overhaul in how digital technologies are introduced in the workplace.
New research from the body shows organisations are prioritising technological progress ahead of people.
Imbalance between technology and worker safety
Its paper, “The digital dilemma: balancing progress with worker protection”, reveals 36% of businesses view cybersecurity as a top digital priority and 34% are accelerating AI deployment.
However, only 26% are focusing on how technology might support worker safety, health and wellbeing.
The research says 59% of businesses have introduced these tools without any safety training at all, and 60% fail to consult workers.
IOSH says this is leaving many employees exposed to hazards and risks that they’ve not been prepared for.
Growing risks from AI, surveillance and digital fatigue
Ruth Wilkinson, IOSH Head of Policy and Public Affairs, said: “The data is clear: while innovation is accelerating, consideration of workers’ safety, health and wellbeing is not keeping the same pace.”
“Issues like technology fatigue, algorithmic management and digital surveillance are emerging rapidly, yet many organisations lack the structures, skills and confidence to manage these risks.
“This is the moment to ensure robust governance, inclusive practices and human-centred design. We also need strengthened digital literacy and worker consultation to be standard practice – not an optional extra.”
Integrating digital tools into safety management systems
The IOSH paper, which was based on a survey of 1,000 senior business leaders across 22 countries, warns businesses are increasingly driven by productivity gains and efficiency targets rather than the impact on worker safety, health and wellbeing.
The research shows that while digitalisation brings opportunity, the risks linked to algorithmic management, digital surveillance, technology fatigue and poor integration of new tools are growing.
For businesses, IOSH is calling for technology adoption to be fully integrated into occupational health and safety management systems.
This includes robust risk assessments for AI and digital tools and transparency about how data is stored and used and how decisions are made.
