Tag: European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA)

Human and Machine: Ergonomics at the Centre of the AI Transition

Gyula Szabo Leave a comment

The Federation of European Ergonomics Societies (FEES) actively contributes to the work of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) within the framework of the European Campaign “Safe and Healthy Work in the Digital Age”, which focuses on the occupational safety and health challenges arising from digitalisation and emerging technologies.

Within this framework, FEES participated in the official EU-OSHA campaign summit, where Gyula Szabó, PhD, Professor at Óbuda University, Hungary, and representative of the Federation of European Ergonomics Societies, delivered the presentation entitled “Human and Machine”.

The presentation was part of Parallel Session 3: “OSH as a driver of safe and healthy digital technologies for work”, chaired by Dietmar Elsler and Annick Starren, Senior Research Project Managers at EU-OSHA.
The session brought together experts from industry, research, and policy, including:

  • Regine Mägerlein, Head of Global Environment, Health and Safety, ZF Lifetec
  • Beatrice Aelterman, Head of Global Occupational Health and Safety, Boehringer Ingelheim
  • Moritz Schneider, Senior Specialist for AI and Software Architecture, German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV), and the Partnership for European Research in Occupational Safety and Health (PEROSH)
  • Gyula Szabó, PhD, Professor at Óbuda University and representative of the Federation of European Ergonomics Societies

The presentation addressed the profound changes brought by artificial intelligence in the field of digital occupational safety and health. AI is no longer merely a supporting technology. It introduces autonomous decision-making, learning systems, and continuous data-driven feedback into everyday work processes. These developments fundamentally reshape human–system interaction and raise new questions related to control, responsibility, trust, and well-being at work.

https://summit2025.healthy-workplaces.eu/videoteca/osh-as-a-driver-of-safe-and-healthy-digital-technologies-for-work

From an ergonomics and human factors perspective, artificial intelligence represents a new but logically connected application domain. The primary goal of ergonomics has always been to optimise the interaction between humans and systems. With the emergence of AI, this interaction becomes more complex, as cognitive load, transparency, predictability, and human oversight gain increasing importance. Consequently, ergonomics and human factors play a central role in the AI transition.

European regulation clearly reflects this approach. Key principles of the EU AI Act, such as human oversight, transparency, explainability, predictability, and safety, strongly overlap with long-established ergonomic and user-centred design principles. These requirements are not abstract legal concepts, but practical criteria that directly influence worker safety, mental health, and acceptance of AI-based systems.

The presentation also highlighted emerging psychosocial risks linked to AI-supported work. Continuous monitoring, automated evaluation, and blurred human–machine boundaries may increase mental strain, stress, and feelings of loss of control if not properly addressed. AI can improve efficiency only if it does not reduce quality of life or undermine human autonomy.

A central message of the session was that users must not be treated as passive recipients of AI solutions. Human-centred and human-in-the-loop approaches are essential. Workers need to be involved throughout the development and implementation cycle, from design to everyday use and continuous improvement. Clarity, acceptability, safety, and learnability remain key criteria for sustainable AI systems.

The AI transition is therefore not only about smarter machines, but about better human–machine cooperation. Ergonomics and human factors provide the conceptual and practical foundation to ensure that AI-based solutions support people, rather than replace or overload them.

FEES is proud to have been actively involved in the EU-OSHA campaigns since the establishment of the campaign partner network. We consider it a privilege that successive campaign themes consistently highlight different application domains of ergonomics. The previous campaign, “Lighten the Load”, addressed the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders and manual handling risks, representing a classical and well-established field of physical ergonomics.

The current campaign, focusing on digitalisation and artificial intelligence, clearly brings ergonomics and human factors into the foreground from a new perspective, emphasising cognitive, organisational, and psychosocial aspects of work. Looking ahead, we anticipate the launch of the next campaign, which is expected to address mental workload and knowledge-based work. This emerging focus will further strengthen the role of cognitive ergonomics and human reliability, areas where ergonomics and human factors can make a decisive contribution.

We look forward to continuing our active involvement in future EU-OSHA campaigns and to representing the ergonomic perspective across these evolving challenges of work.

New EU-OSHA report on musculoskeletal risks in the health and social care sector

Gyula Szabo Leave a comment

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) remain the most prevalent occupational health issue in the European health and social care sector, affecting millions of workers and contributing to absenteeism and reduced productivity. A new EU-OSHA report provides a comprehensive review of the main risk factors, including:

  • high workload and poor work organisation,
  • manual handling of patients,
  • repetitive movements and awkward postures,
  • inadequate ergonomic design and equipment,
  • lack of tailored training,
  • age-related challenges, and
  • psychosocial risks such as violence and harassment.

The report highlights that prevention requires ergonomic workplace design, participatory approaches, safe patient-handling programmes, targeted training, and organisational support. Special attention is needed for older, female, and migrant workers, who are disproportionately affected.

The publication also offers policy pointers to strengthen prevention, training, and support measures at workplace and EU level.

🔗 Read the summary here: EU-OSHA publication

Ergonomics and Human Factors at the Centre of the Digital Transformation

Gyula Szabo Leave a comment

As an official partner of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA), the Federation of European Ergonomics Societies (FEES) proudly supports the 2023–2025 Healthy Workplaces Campaign: Safe and healthy work in the digital age. This initiative highlights the growing role of smart digital systems in improving occupational safety and health (OSH) across Europe.

From an ergonomics and human factors perspective, smart digital technologies—such as wearable devices, sensor networks, AI-driven analytics, and virtual reality training platforms—have significant potential to enhance workplace safety, health, and well-being. These tools enable early identification of ergonomic risks, provide real-time data on physical strain and environmental hazards, and support timely interventions. They are especially valuable in high-risk industries and for vulnerable worker groups, including older employees and those with specific health conditions.

However, digital systems must be implemented according to user-centred design principles to be practical and ethically sound. FEES stresses the importance of involving workers and their representatives in designing, deploying, and monitoring these technologies. Transparent communication, responsible data management, and training are essential to building trust and acceptance. When workers understand and influence digital tools, safety, satisfaction, and engagement improve significantly.

At the same time, we must remain vigilant about the challenges posed by digitalisation. Over-reliance on automation, excessive monitoring, lack of usability, and insufficient training can lead to new psychosocial risks such as stress, cognitive overload, and mental fatigue. Smart systems should always complement, not replace, traditional OSH strategies like ergonomic workplace design, inclusive organisational policies, and direct human support.

As FEES, we advocate for integrating digital innovation with ergonomic principles to create safe, inclusive, and sustainable workplaces. We call on our member societies, researchers, practitioners, and partners to actively contribute to this campaign by sharing knowledge, good practices, and critical reflections on the human-centred use of smart technologies in OSH.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Workplace Safety and Health

Gyula Szabo Leave a comment

The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping workplace safety and health, presenting challenges and opportunities in an increasingly digital world. Witnessing the shared commitment to exploring these evolving issues is encouraging, particularly as AI-driven worker management systems become more prevalent across various industries.

Understanding AI-Based Worker Management Systems

AI-based worker management systems are digital tools that collect and analyze vast amounts of data from various sources, such as PCs, mobile devices, and workplace sensors. These systems can be categorized into two main types:

  1. Automated Decision-Making Systems – These systems operate independently, making decisions without human intervention. While they enhance efficiency, their implementation requires careful consideration to ensure fairness and compliance with labour regulations.
  2. Semi-Automated Systems – In these systems, AI-generated recommendations are reviewed by human managers before final decisions are made. This approach allows for a balance between automation and human oversight.

These technologies are used in various applications, including:

  • Labor Forecasting – AI predicts workforce needs based on customer demand and weather conditions, optimizing shift schedules.
  • Performance Evaluation – AI assesses worker efficiency by tracking task completion times and other productivity metrics.
  • HR Management Support – AI assists in recruitment, training, and workforce allocation to enhance operational efficiency.

Adoption and Impact in the EU

The facts from EU-OSHA show the adoption of AI-driven worker management systems across the European Union. Key findings indicate:

  • While adoption is still relatively low, there is a growing trend, particularly in large companies managing extensive workforces.
  • These systems are predominantly used in industries involving manual and repetitive tasks, such as warehousing, professional cleaning, healthcare, banking, and call centres.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated the deployment of AI-based worker management technologies, with a sharp increase observed in 2020.

Worker Perspectives and Health Implications

While AI-driven systems enhance efficiency, they also raise concerns related to:

  • Job Security – Automation may lead to workforce reductions in specific sectors.
  • Workplace Stress – Continuous monitoring and performance tracking can increase pressure on employees.
  • Data Privacy – The extensive use of personal and professional data necessitates stringent privacy regulations.

Moving Forward

As AI continues integrating into workplace management, it is crucial to balance technological advancement and worker well-being. Policymakers, employers, and researchers must collaborate to ensure that AI-driven systems enhance productivity while safeguarding employee rights and health. Ongoing research and discussions, such as this campaign, play a vital role in shaping the future of AI in workplace safety and health.

For more information on the campaign, visit the official EU OSHA page: Healthy Workplaces Campaign.

The Federation of European Ergonomics Societies (FEES) is a proud partner of the “Safe and Healthy Work in the Digital Age 2023-2025” EU OSHA campaign.

Safe and Healthy Work in the Digital Age: Adapting OSH for the Future

Gyula Szabo Leave a comment

Digitalisation is revolutionising the workplace, bringing opportunities and challenges requiring new ergonomics / human factors solutions to update occupational safety and health (OSH). With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), big data, collaborative robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), algorithms, digital labour platforms, and increased remote work, workers and employers face new risks and opportunities. The key to addressing these challenges lies in how these technologies are applied, managed, and regulated within current social, political, and economic contexts.

EU-OSHA’s Efforts and Campaigns

EU-OSHA’s Healthy Workplaces Campaign, “Safe and Healthy Work in the Digital Age” (2023-2025), aims to raise awareness about the implications of digital technologies on workplace safety and health. This campaign underscores the importance of a human-centred approach in designing, implementing, managing, and using these technologies to ensure they are safe and productive. The priority areas:

Advanced Robotics and Automation – Key Considerations for Human Interaction and Trust

According to the Agency’s recently published Policy Brief, “Advanced robotics and automation: Key considerations for human interaction and trust“, the growing autonomy in advanced robotic systems necessitates a shift in the terminology from ‘use’ to ‘interaction’ between humans and robots. The quality of this interaction significantly impacts occupational safety and health (OSH) factors. Various aspects of robotic interaction design, such as cognitive ergonomics, outward appearance, embodiment, robot behaviour, and communication styles, are linked to OSH risks and opportunities. The primary objective is facilitating smooth and natural interactions, enhancing well-being, acceptance, trust, and user experience while mitigating stress and other adverse outcomes.

Anthropomorphic Robot Design

  • Appearance and Behavior: Human-like features (e.g., eyes, facial expressions) can enhance natural interaction and acceptance, especially in social robotics. However, excessive human likeness may cause negative emotions due to the “uncanny valley” effect.
  • Expectation Management: Anthropomorphic features may lead to unrealistic expectations about a robot’s capabilities, potentially impacting task performance and safety. For example, workers might erroneously attribute visual or auditory perception to robots with eyes or ears.
  • Task-Relevant Design: In industrial settings, anthropomorphic movements can improve workflow and task accuracy but must be carefully designed to avoid misinterpretation and potential hazards.

Interaction Principles and Transparency

  • Design Principles: General ergonomic design principles, such as those in EN ISO 9241-110, apply to robotic systems, improving usability and user experience.
  • Cognitive and Sensorial Aid: With increasing robotic autonomy, interaction design must provide mental and sensory aids to prevent information overload and ensure effective decision-making.
  • System Transparency: Adequate transparency is crucial for users to understand robotic actions and intentions, fostering trust and reliability. However, too much information can overload and hinder critical information processing.

Trust in Human-Robot Interaction

  • Calibrated Trust: Appropriate trust in robotic systems is essential for effective collaboration. Over-reliance can lead to complacency, while insufficient trust can result in underutilisation. Trust must be calibrated to match the robot’s capabilities.
  • Influential Factors: Trust is influenced by human-related factors (e.g., user satisfaction, comfort), robot-related factors (e.g., reliability, anthropomorphism), and context-related factors (e.g., team collaboration task difficulty). Reliable and empathetic robots foster higher trust levels.

Risks and Recommendations

  • Privacy and Control: Collecting and analysing data for personalised interaction can raise privacy concerns and feelings of alienation. Ensuring transparency and adhering to data protection regulations is critical.
  • Training and Adaptation: Training on automation bias and system capabilities can mitigate trust miscalibrations. Continuous adaptation to user preferences and task requirements enhances interaction quality.

“Napo in… robots at work”

“Napo in… robots at work” animation provides an overview of safety considerations related to workplace robotics. The film outlines various emerging robotic technologies, associated accident types, key hazards, and control measures.

Production line workers face the highest risk, followed by maintenance workers. Most injuries result from poor workplace design and human error. Technological advances, such as fixed robots, collaborative and mobile robots, and exoskeletons, can enhance working conditions and introduce new hazards in manufacturing environments.

Join the Campaign

The Federation of the European Ergonomics Societies is one of the few EU-OSHA “Safe and Healthy Work in the Digital Age” campaign partners. Ergonomists have a crucial role in creating healthy workplaces and improving performance and user satisfaction.

Please learn more about ergonomics, human factors and occupational health in the digital age. Visit the campaign’s new “Automation of Tasks” Priority Area for more information, resources, materials, insights and practical tools to ensure safe and healthy work environments in the digital age.

Safe and healthy work in the digital age 2023-2025

Gyula Szabo Leave a comment

EU-OSHA launched the “Digitisation of Work” campaign in October 2023, and FEES is a proud partner of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work. The Safe and Healthy Work in the Digital Age campaign focuses on the following topics:

  • Digital and platform work
  • Automation of tasks
  • Remote and hybrid work
  • Worker management through AI
  • Smart digital systems for OSH (Occupational Safety and Health)

Contact: Szabo Gyula, Bernard Michez

For more information, visit: https://healthy-workplaces.osha.europa.eu/en

The focal points will contact national ergonomics associations to solicit their participation and collaboration.

To support this initiative, we recommend:

  • Establishing a collaboration with the focal point of EU-OSHA.
  • Preparing a designated space on the society’s website for publishing campaign materials.
  • Considering the campaign theme and focus topics in your program planning for the campaign period.
Ergonomics, Human Factors and Machinery

The European Machinery Directive – webinar

Gyula Szabo Leave a comment

The European Machinery Directive, Webinar on the 21st of November 13h UTC.

The Federation of European Ergonomics Societies (FEES), an IEA regional network, and the IEA Safety and Health Technical Committee organised the series on tools fostering the development of ergonomics and human factors.

Register for this webinar.

Presenters:

  • Pascal Etienne, Federation of European Ergonomics Societies (FEES), executive board member, pascal.etienne0@orange.fr
  • Aleksandar Zunjic, FEES General Secretary, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Belgrade, Serbia.
  • Pedro Ferreira, FEES Treasurer, CENTEC, IST, University of Lisbon, Portugal
  • Bernard Michez, FEES president, CEO Ergotec company, France
  • Gyula Szabó, FEES executive board member, Faculty of Mechanical and Safety Engineering, Óbuda University, Budapest, Hungary
  • Jochen Eckhart, International Organisation for Standardization (ISO/CEN)
  • Peter Nickel International Social Security Association (ISSA), International Prevention Section on Machine and System Safety

FFES Logo

Duration: 90 mins

The goal of this online webinar is to present and discuss the EU Machinery directive

  • Its application
  • The specific rules such as « forecast the forecastable misuse… »
  • Its utility for designing working situations

Webinar Chair: Bernard Michez, president of FEES

Zoom link for registration. Registration is free to all interested people. The webinar will be recorded and published on YouTube. Registration permits live interaction with the presenters via Q&A. Register for this webinar. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Register for this webinar.

A brilliant priority area of the Lighten the load campaign is changing the perception of workplace wMSD management

Gyula Szabo Leave a comment

Federation of the European Ergonomics Societies is an official campaign partner of EU-OSHA to make the 2020 – 2022: Healthy Workplaces Lighten the Load campaign a success.

Evidence suggests that psychosocial risks and musculoskeletal disorders are so closely related that they are best treated together. The consensus is that many factors contribute to the development of MSDs at work, especially physical aspects (awkward working positions, vigorous movements, repetitive tasks, etc.).

Although physical risk factors are usually the primary work-related influence on the risk of MSD, psychosocial factors at work can significantly contribute to the risk of developing MSD and exacerbate an existing problem. Psychosocial factors may also hinder the return to work (or finding work) for patients with chronic MSD. In addition, MSD (especially when it leads to chronic pain) can lead to psychosocial problems such as depression and stress.

Psychosocial factors associated with MSDs 

  • excessive workloads,
  • conflicting demands and lack of clarity over the role, 
  • lack of involvement in making decisions that affect the worker and lack of influence over the way the job, 
  • poorly managed organisational change,
  • job insecurity,
  • ineffective communication, 
  • lack of support from management or colleagues, 
  • psychological and sexual harassment, third-party violence, 
  • low job satisfaction.

Possible pathways from psychosocial risk factors to musculoskeletal disorders

  • Increased muscle tension will affect the biomechanical loading of muscles and tendons, increasing the risk of overload.
  • Many MSDs disrupt the balance between tissue damage and repair, leading to inflammation. Stress-induced changes in repair mechanisms further disturb this balance and can overwhelm tissue repair processes.
  • Other mechanisms also act indirectly: e.g. perceived stress can lead to increased awareness of pain (pain perception) or decreased pain tolerance.

Even within the limitations of the existing legal framework, there are indications that many employers are not engaging in the risk assessment and prevention process. It is unclear to what extent this is specific to musculoskeletal disorders or whether it extends to other workplace safety risks. However, it’s already clear that fixing legislative gaps will not solve this problem, and action is needed to solve it. Reasons for non-acting can be manifold and include a lack of awareness of the need; and a lack of motivation, presumably resulting from a failure to perceive activities as risky or resulting in a fatalistic attitude that sees such risks as inevitable or “part of the job” and therefore unchangeable. Such unaware perceptions spill over into the workforce, creating a further barrier to effective action. (More information here)

Ergonomists in Europe are committed to reducing the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. We promote a participatory, holistic approach to increase efficiency, reduce workplace adverse health effects, and improve job satisfaction.

Future Generations – Healthy Workplaces Campaign Priority Area

Gyula Szabo Leave a comment

The “Future Generations” is the current priority area of the Healthy Workplaces Lighten the Load 2020-22 Campaign.

The next priority area, “Psychosocial Risks,” will start in September.

For more information, Healthy Workplaces Priority Areas

EU-OSHA has announced the winners of the Healthy Workplaces Lighten the Load 2020-22 Good Practice Awards.

For more information, Good Practice Awards

We organized a session at the “Exchange of Good Practices in OSH – Healthy Workplaces Campaign Partner Event.”

For more information, Exchange of Good Practices Event

Contact: Szabo Gyula, Bernard Michez

We invite all members to provide feedback about this campaign. What impacts have you observed in your countries? How has mobilization been for you?

Please forward this message to your members to gather feedback.

Musculoskeletal health promotion starts at school

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According to EU-OSHA, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in children and young people and young workers are worryingly high. Involving schools in occupational safety and health issues can help prevent this. Integrating safety and health in education is essential in developing a culture of prevention for students.

A new report offers approaches to ‘health-promoting schools’ and examples of good practices in Europe to get people moving and prevent MSDs. The report presents success factors and obstacles and examines how schools can contribute to long-term prevention early on.

Read the report Better Schools by Promoting Musculoskeletal Health

Learn more: