Since 2000, the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) has organized “Good Practice Awards” on a given theme. This competition recognizes innovative and sustainable approaches to occupational risk prevention across Europe.

As part of its “Healthy Workplaces for the Digital Age (2023-2025)” campaign, EU-OSHA is this year awarding prizes for the introduction of digital systems in the workplace. For this 16th edition, the Agency has recognized six good practices and eleven “recommended” practices.

Four examples of good practices recognized

Ireland: a robotic barrel unloading system to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries

The Midleton Distillery was recognized for implementing an autonomous robotic system dedicated to unloading whiskey barrels, some of which weigh more than 60 kg. Designed to eliminate the musculoskeletal risks associated with manual handling, this device has completely eliminated accidents related to this operation, while maintaining human supervision throughout the process.

Italy: smart tractors for precision farming in the wine industry

The vineyard of the Perla del Garda winery (Morenica) has implemented automated driving technology on its tractors used in the vineyards. This technology enables precise navigation in narrow rows of vines while preventing dangerous situations such as collisions with workers, animals, or obstacles in the aisles thanks to automatic AI-based alerts.

Greece: drones, virtual reality, and a digital platform for telecommunications workers

The Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE Group) has implemented several tools: drones to carry out remote inspections with the aim of reducing the risks associated with working at height, virtual reality training to simulate dangerous scenarios and accustom technicians to reacting in an emergency, and wellness programs covering mental health, nutrition, and physical activities accessible to all via online platforms.

Cyprus: an app to verify compliance with health and safety requirements in oil and gas production

Eni Cyprus Ltd has developed a mobile and web app that helps verify compliance with health and safety rules during its offshore operations. The tool allows field workers, even in environments without an internet connection, to access the procedures necessary to perform a task and to verify in real time that a work site complies with safety requirements. In particular, it detects weak signals early on and identifies warning signs, which makes it possible to prevent accidents more effectively.

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