Artificial intelligence (AI), along with digitalization, robotics, and automation, is reshaping society and the landscape of occupational safety and health. The International Labour Organization’s (ILO) new report Revolutionizing Health and Safety: The Role of AI and Digitalization at Work, explores how these emerging technologies are enhancing worker health and well-being while also presenting new challenges that require proactive policies.

AI-powered systems are revolutionizing safety and health monitoring by providing real-time data and predictive analytics that help prevent accidents and reduce hazardous exposures. Smart wearable devices, environmental sensors, and advanced robotics are among the tools that are making workplaces safer. For instance, robots are increasingly taking on hazardous tasks, thereby reducing risks for human workers. These technologies are not only improving efficiency but also easing workloads and driving innovation across various sectors. At the same time, AI brings new risks that also need to be addressed, as stressed in the ILO’s report.

ISSA members leading the way

The ISSA is putting a lot of emphasis on technology and AI in its work, through knowledge building, sharing of experiences, networking and events. Also, ISSA members are at the forefront of integrating AI into OSH practices, showcasing innovative approaches and good practices. For example:

• Argentina: The Superintendency of Occupational Risks (SRT) developed an AI-driven chatbot to improve customer service and release time to deal with more complex enquiries.
• Chile: The Mutual for Safety CChC uses an AI-system for detecting respiratory pathologies of occupational origin.
• Germany: The German Social Accident Insurance Institution for the Construction Sector (BG BAU) developed an AI-based application that provides labour inspectors with recommendations on which companies to visit to prevent serious and fatal accidents.
• Germany: The German Social Accident Insurance Institution for the Foodstuffs and Catering Industry (BGN) developed AI to predict the extent of incapacity for work, of central importance for performance assessment and quality assurance of recovery processes.
• Germany: Artificial intelligence was a key component of one of the Safety Award winners, coming grom Germany, in a contest organized by the International Section of the ISSA on Machine and System Safety.
• Germany: The German Statutory Accident Insurance Institution for the Trade and Logistics Industries (BGHW), uses smart glasses based on artificial intelligence, which can detect safety and health hazards.
• India: Artificial intelligence was on the agenda of the International Conference on Achieving Sustainable World of Work through Vision Zero, held in New Delhi, India, in 21 January 2025.
• Malaysia: The Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) in Malaysia uses AI-driven machine learning tools in its disability management rating system.

The ISSA Special Commission on Prevention, the ISSA International Prevention Sections and ISSA members will continue exploring the use of AI in occupational safety and health, including through the Vision Zero strategy.  The ISSA also supports its members in applying AI in the administration of other schemes and cross-cutting areas, considering the importance of AI for social security.