The modern workplace is no longer merely threatened by heavy machinery or precarious scaffolding. Today, the most formidable hazards facing our workforce are invisible illnesses, algorithmic bosses, and record-breaking heatwaves

While traditional hazards once dominated safety concerns, the International Labour Organization (ILO) warns that the next decade will be defined by these 'invisible killers'. During a pivotal public hearing before the European Parliament's Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, the ILO emphasised the urgent need for a robust, modernised EU strategic framework on health and safety at work for the post-2027 period.

The silent crisis

Although Europe has achieved remarkable success in driving down fatal workplace accidents, a quieter, deadlier crisis is taking a severe toll. Currently, occupational diseases are responsible for more than 98 per cent of all work-related deaths across the European Union. Nearly half of these fatalities are linked to occupational cancers, with circulatory and respiratory illnesses remaining major causes of mortality.

Priorities for the future

Addressing this defining challenge of the coming decade, Joaquim Pintado Nunes, Chief of the ILO Occupational Safety and Health and Working Environment Branch, highlighted future prevention priorities to the European Parliament. He stated: “The prevention of occupational diseases should remain a central priority of the post-2027 framework, including continued action on carcinogens, hazardous substances and disease recognition.” He further noted: “Strong national OSH systems, effective labour inspection and reliable data remain essential to realizing the fundamental right to a safe and healthy working environment.”

Emerging global threats

The ILO also cautions that digitalisation and climate change are fundamentally reshaping global occupational safety:

Digitalisation and psychosocial risks: Psychosocial risks contribute to over 840,000 deaths annually worldwide. Furthermore, artificial intelligence introduces complex challenges regarding algorithmic management, intense surveillance, and work intensification.

Climate change: Shifting weather patterns increasingly endanger staff. Europe has endured the fastest global rise in occupational heat exposure over the last two decades, leading to a spike in workplace injuries and chronic illnesses.

Consequently, the ILO strongly advocates for climate adaptation, extreme weather preparedness, and AI oversight to feature prominently in the forthcoming EU Strategic Framework. Following the 2022 recognition of a safe and healthy working environment as a Fundamental Principle and Right at Work, the ILO believes Europe holds the potential to shape the global safety agenda for years to come.

Saudi Arabia is deploying AI and advanced technologies to enhance safety and security during the Hajj and Umrah seasons

The King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), in partnership with the General Directorate of Public Security at the Ministry of Interior, has developed the smart “Roya” platform, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency. It leverages artificial intelligence, remote sensing technologies, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to support security and operational activities in the holy sites, facilitating fast and accurate decision-making.

The platform includes the analysis of satellite imagery and geospatial data to study traffic movement and monitor crowd density, while also delivering field indicators that support security authorities in managing critical locations, helping to improve pilgrims’ experience and enhance safety and operational efficieincy across the holy sites.

The platform also offers advanced analyses of thermal zones and land surface temperature variations in Makkah and the holy sites, in addition to detecting irregular patterns and transforming data into spatial reports.

KACST explained that the Roya platform currently displays nearly 2,000 satellite images from the current and previous seasons, in addition to 126 aerial imaging operations covering Makkah, Madinah, the holy sites, and the roads leading to them. The platform also provides urban heat island monitoring services, offering a more comprehensive environmental and climate assessment to support monitoring and field analysis activities.

Operated by KACST, the Roya platform is connected to the General Directorate of Public Security’s network through the Command and Control Center. It features an interactive interface that enables real-time data visualisation, contributing to improved services for pilgrims and enhanced operational readiness in high-density locations.

The platform is part of the National Laboratory’s efforts at KACST to develop technological solutions and build smart platforms, supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 in strengthening a knowledge-based and innovation-driven digital economy.

During this year’s Hajj season, the Sawaher platform was deployed to enhance crowd management and bolster security at the holy sites and their access points. Spearheaded by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority in partnership with the Ministry of Interior, it utilises over 5,000 cameras across 80 locations, supported by 31 data dashboards, 16 artificial intelligence algorithms, and more than 600 operators.

Sawaher connects camera networks to advanced operations rooms for round-the-clock monitoring of high-density areas. The platform analyses real-time data on crowd movement and human flows, enabling authorities to make rapid, data-driven decisions. This proactive capability allows security teams to respond instantly to shifting field conditions, accurately count pilgrims, mitigate congestion, and ensure a safe and seamless Hajj experience.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration concluded its 13th annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction earlier this month, encouraging employers and workers across the United States to strengthen awareness around fall hazards and workplace safety practices.

Held from 4-8 May 2026, the nationwide initiative focused on reducing falls, which remain one of the leading causes of fatalities within the construction sector. The campaign promoted greater emphasis on planning, employee training and hazard identification to improve safety performance on jobsites.

Throughout the week, employers were encouraged to temporarily halt work activities and conduct safety-focused sessions, including toolbox talks, fall prevention training, hazard recognition exercises and equipment demonstrations. Particular attention was given to risks linked to roofing operations, scaffolding and ladder use.

Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health David Keeling participated in a Stand-Down event held at the Henry Bacon Ball Field on the National Mall, where several infrastructure and construction projects are underway. OSHA representatives also attended events organised in different parts of the country.

The initiative formed part of OSHA’s wider Fall Prevention Campaign and was delivered in collaboration with organisations including The Center for Construction Research and Training, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the NORA Construction Sector Council.

OSHA also announced plans to strengthen cooperation with Construction Safety Week through a new alliance aimed at supporting worker wellbeing and preventing serious incidents across the construction project lifecycle.

Since its launch in 2012, the Stand-Down campaign has helped train millions of workers and promote stronger safety awareness throughout the industry.