Photo: Lloyd’s Register Foundation
London — More high-quality evaluations of emerging technologies that impact workplace safety are needed to help employers feel confident about using new tech, according to a recently published report from Lloyd’s Register Foundation.
Researchers from the foundation’s Global Safety Evidence Center reviewed more than 2,000 studies. They wanted to better understand the extent of existing knowledge on the impact of emerging technology on safety at work, as well as assess the nature and quality of the evidence.
“The evidence base is limited and uneven across different technology areas, sectors and industries,” the report states. Further, newer technologies, such as wearable devices, collaborative robots and emotional artificial intelligence, have undergone few “high-quality” or rigorous studies.
Other findings:
- Studies and evidence come from mostly high-income countries and focus on “some workers and occupations which may not be those most affected.”
- Emerging technologies can provide high-quality data for evaluations, but few of them are used to understand worker safety.
- Research and regulations aren’t keeping up with the pace of technological change.
“Practitioners’ experience of testing new technologies is crucial for identifying opportunities and risks,” the report states.
In August, the National Safety Council published a report that explores how generative AI is affecting environmental, safety and health in the workplace.
McCraren Compliance offers many opportunities in safety training to help circumvent accidents. Please take a moment to visit our calendar of classes to see what we can do to help your safety measures from training to consulting.
Original article published by Safety+Health an NSC publication