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The digital revolution is profoundly changing the nature, organisation and conditions of work. It offers benefits but is likely to exacerbate psychosocial risks for workers. A joint report by the European Commission’s Science and Knowledge Service (JRC) and the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) examines these impacts, particularly on health and safety at work.
The report focuses on three main vectors of change: the automation of tasks; the digitalisation of work processes, which enables teleworking and hybrid working as new ways of working; and the ‘platformisation’ of work, which involves extending the features of platform work, such as digital monitoring of workers and algorithmic management, to conventional workplaces. All of these elements affect workers and can pose risks to their mental health.
The authors confirm the importance of prevention in mitigating the potentially negative effects of digital technologies on workers. A humane and inclusive approach is required. There must be guarantees of accountability and transparency when new technologies are introduced. Adequate consultation with workers is also essential. It is also important to integrate health and safety considerations into the design of new technologies. Finally, good prevention requires a holistic risk assessment. This includes not only the direct risks of using the technology, but also the organisational and contextual factors that can increase or decrease these risks.
