30/07/2024
As part of our on-going celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Health and Safety at Work Etc. Act 1974, we're publishing a short series of articles highlighting the history of health and safety practices, the people who helped shape them and a look at what challenges the act still faces, this article explores the latest report from IOSH.
"Towards a safe and healthy future of work"
In April 2024, the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) published a new report, “Towards a safe and healthy future of work”, in collaboration with Arup (the “Report”). As its title indicates, the Report considers and encourages people to consider the risks and opportunities facing the workplace in a future of advancing technology, climate change and flexible working. The Report sets out a number of “What if…” questions that consider the implications of these factors.
The future of work
In recent years, we have seen an increase in modern working patterns, such as the rise of the gig economy, short-term contracts and platform based employment. These styles of working often feature less social protection (such as benefits and sick leave) than traditional employment models. Existing health and safety legislation in the UK, in particular the Health and Safety at Work Etc. Act 1974, was established long before swathes of the workforce entered these new working models.
In addition, since the pandemic, hybrid and remote working have skyrocketed. The benefits of remote working are well-documented and include environmental benefits, increased individual autonomy and productivity. However, there are also drawbacks to working alone and from home. The Report flags the lack of social interaction and the increased use of IT equipment leading to ergonomic risks.
The workforce itself is also changing. In Europe, people living longer and retiring later; the workforce is aging. Employers must consider the distinct health, safety and wellbeing needs of an older workforce.
Future risks and opportunities for health, safety and wellbeing
Health: The Report flags both physical and mental health of workers as an upcoming (if not already present) challenge to workplaces. Many employers share a tendency to treat mental health issues, rather than taking preventative action to tackle the source of stress at work, and the resulting employee burnout. On the other hand, the workforce will also suffer from increasing obesity and antimicrobial resistance.
Technology: Development of new and emerging technologies is transforming industries of work. The rise of artificial intelligence poses a risk that some jobs could be fully automated. There is a balance between the use of AI to remove tedious tasks from employee’s responsibilities, and the removal of human labour from some roles entirely.
Environment: 2023 was the hottest year on record. With increasing temperatures comes increasing workplace risks; approximately 100,000 global deaths per year are attributable to excessive heat. Workplaces will need to overcome extreme weather events and the gradual increase in temperatures over time.
Conclusion
The future will bring new challenges for the health and safety of workers. Working patterns will continue to change, new technologies will become available and commonplace, and we face the impact of climate change.
The Report concludes that individuals and companies should remain agile to be able to respond to these challenges and maintain a safe, healthy future of work, focusing on eliminating hazards, reducing risks, harmful exposures and unsafe working conditions, and enhancing the wellbeing of workers.
It notes that OSH Professionals must make sure that they are forward-thinking and that they inspire and encourage stakeholders to consider the fullest range of possible actions required to achieve a safe and healthy future of work. To do so they must make sure they have the appropriate awareness, skills and knowledge to build a healthies and safer future generation of workers, including soft skills, digital skills and ethical decision making.
The report can be found in full here Foreword (iosh.com).
