With digitalization fundamentally reshaping the modern workplace, the campaign is committed to assisting employers across the EU in maintaining favorable working conditions and providing quality jobs, aligning with the vision of a safe and healthy workforce.
As the use of personal computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and other digital devices becomes increasingly prevalent in the workplace, the campaign recognizes the need to address the evolving nature of work, emphasizing the critical role of prioritizing safety and health in the ongoing digital transformation.
According to Nicolas Schmit, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, "The world of work has witnessed unprecedented changes in recent years due to the proliferation of digital technologies. While embracing the advantages of the digital age, it is imperative that we uphold a human-centered approach. The EU-OSHA Healthy Workplaces Campaign serves as a crucial instrument to facilitate decent working conditions and promote the provision of quality jobs for workers across the EU."
Joaquín Pérez Rey, interim Secretary of State for Employment and Social Economy of Spain and representing the Spanish Presidency of the EU Council, further emphasized the significance of this campaign in ensuring that technological advancements contribute to improving working conditions, safeguarding the safety and health of workers, and mitigating the challenges of precarious employment.
Guided by the research outlined in the OSH Overview on Digitalisation, the campaign will focus on five priority areas over the next two years, including digital platform work, task automation, remote and hybrid work, worker management through Artificial Intelligence, and smart digital systems.
The campaign aims to enhance awareness of the impact of digital transformation on occupational safety and health while fostering collaborative efforts among stakeholders. By providing resources and advocating proactive risk assessment, the campaign seeks to facilitate a secure and efficient digital transformation across various sectors and workplaces.
William Cockburn Salazar, Executive Director of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA), highlighted the importance of understanding the implications of Europe's ongoing digital transformation and maximizing the benefits of new technologies to ensure safe, healthy, and productive work environments.
The success of the campaign relies on the active participation of workers and employers, alongside the extensive network of national focal points, official campaign partners, media partners, social partners, and other intermediaries. Through targeted promotion and information dissemination, EU-OSHA aims to inspire and encourage stakeholders to contribute to the promotion of a safe and healthy workforce in the digital age.
