As the digital era continues to redefine how we live and work, a new global report from the International Labour Organization (ILO) underscores a growing shift in the world of occupational safety and health (OSH). Released ahead of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, the report, Revolutionizing Health and Safety: The Role of AI and Digitalization at Work, delves into how digital technologies are transforming workplace environments both for better and for worse.

From smart wearables that detect hazardous gases to automated machines handling dangerous tasks, digital tools are beginning to play a pivotal role in protecting workers. But this transformation also introduces fresh risks that require urgent attention, especially in regions where regulatory frameworks and access to advanced technology remain uneven. For African countries, where many workers still operate in high-risk environments with limited protective oversight, the stakes and opportunities couldn’t be higher.

Digital Tech: A New Line of Defense in High-Risk Jobs

One of the most significant benefits of digitalization is its potential to reduce physical hazards. In many African industries mining, construction, and agriculture, to name a few workers are often exposed to conditions that are dirty, dangerous, and demeaning. Robotics and automation can now step into these environments, taking over high-risk tasks and dramatically reducing exposure to harmful situations.

For example, drones are increasingly being used in mining operations to monitor hazardous areas without putting human lives at risk. In agriculture, smart irrigation and pesticide systems can limit workers’ direct exposure to chemicals. These technologies not only improve physical safety but also increase operational efficiency critical in regions where human and financial resources may be stretched thin.

Emerging Risks in a Digital Landscape

Yet the introduction of new technologies is not without complications. While robots and AI systems can manage dangerous tasks, the maintenance and monitoring of these systems can present new risks. Workers interacting with machines may face hazards related to system malfunctions, software errors, or physical injury from close contact with robotics.

In African countries where digital literacy is still developing, improper training and inadequate safety protocols can further heighten these dangers. Moreover, the widespread use of smart devices and continuous connectivity can contribute to mental health challenges such as stress and burnout issues that are often underreported and under-resourced across the continent.

Health in the Hybrid Era

Digitalization is also reshaping work structures, with more roles shifting to remote or hybrid formats. While this change has been linked to improved work-life balance and mental well-being, it also blurs the lines between personal and professional time. For many African workers in tech-enabled sectors, especially those engaged in the gig economy or platform-based work, the “right to disconnect” remains elusive. Constant connectivity and algorithm-driven performance expectations can lead to chronic fatigue and psychological strain.

Additionally, there’s a growing ecosystem of workers behind digital transformation those involved in raw material extraction, data labeling, and electronic waste management. These roles, often based in African countries, face their own OSH challenges, from exposure to toxic materials to repetitive, low-paid tasks that offer little job security or health support.

Bridging the Policy Gap

The ILO report highlights a significant regulatory gap in managing the occupational risks associated with digitalization. It calls for stronger national, regional, and global policies to ensure safety standards evolve alongside technology. For African nations, this means updating labor laws to address digital risks, investing in training programs, and ensuring that workers are part of the conversation when new tools are introduced.

Some progress is already underway. In countries like South Africa and Kenya, pilot projects using wearable tech for health monitoring and AI for workplace safety analysis are showing promising results. But much more needs to be done to ensure equitable access to these innovations and to safeguard workers’ rights and well-being across all sectors.

Moving Forward

As the digital transformation accelerates, African countries face a unique dual challenge: embracing innovation to improve safety and productivity, while simultaneously protecting workers from the unintended consequences of technological change. If managed thoughtfully, digitalization could become a powerful ally in the fight for safer, healthier, and more dignified work across the continent.

But achieving this vision requires more than new tools it demands inclusive policy-making, cross-sector collaboration, and a commitment to putting people, not just productivity, at the centre of progress.

Read Also: Burkina Faso Bans Raw Cashew Nut Exports To Boost Local Processing Industry