AI-powered systems streamline tasks and operations. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

A new report from the International Labour Organization (ILO) explores how AI, digitalisation, robotics and automation are improving worker health and wellbeing in workplaces worldwide, while underlining the need for proactive policies to ensure these technologies are implemented safely and equitably

The report, titled Revolutionizing Health and Safety: The Role of AI and Digitalization at Work, highlights how robots help reduce risks and improve efficiency by taking on hazardous tasks, assisting in surgeries, and optimising logistics. AI-powered systems enhance safety and health monitoring, and streamline tasks and operations, easing workloads and driving innovation – even in traditionally low-tech sectors. 

“Digitalisation offers immense opportunities to enhance workplace safety. Robots can replace workers in hazardous ‘3D jobs’, which can be dirty, dangerous, and demeaning. Automation can reduce repetitive tasks, such as in factory production lines or in administrative work, allowing workers to take on more challenging tasks,” said Manal Azzi, team lead on OSH Policy at the ILO. “But for us to fully benefit from these technologies, we must ensure they are implemented without incurring new risks.”

Technology’s impact on safety and health

The report highlights that advanced robotics and automation, the use of virtual and extended reality, as well as new tools such as smart wearable devices that provide real-time risk detection or environmental sensors that track air quality, are transforming safety and health by preventing accidents and reducing hazardous exposures. Furthermore, digitalisation is leading to the rise of hybrid and remote work arrangements that are creating flexibility and improving mental health.

VR is transforming training by providing immersive, interactive experiences for high-risk environments that are difficult to simulate theoretically, such as emergency response, fire training and working at heights. The report highlights an example from Qatar, where The Qatar Ministry of Labour, in cooperation with the ILO, launched a VR-based training programme for labour inspectors, which enhances OSH enforcement by allowing inspectors to explore virtual construction sites, identify workplace risks and correct safety violations without entering hazardous environments. The programme also improves guidance for employers and workers, strengthening compliance with OSH standards.

However, these advancements may also bring in new risks. While robots effectively take on hazardous tasks, workers who maintain, repair, or collaborate with these machines may face new dangers. Unpredictable robotic behaviours, system failures, or cyber threats can compromise safety. Ergonomic risks may arise from human-robot interaction, as well as from the use of wearables and exoskeletons that lack proper fit, usability, or comfort.

The study highlights that over-reliance on AI and automation may reduce human oversight, which would, in turn, increase OSH risks, while algorithm-driven workloads and being continuously connected can contribute to stress, burnout, and mental health issues.

The report also exposes safety and health risks faced by workers across the digital supply chain, from those in extraction processes to those powering AI, as well as workers handling electronic waste.

Global policy response and the role of the ILO

The report highlights regulatory gaps in managing OSH risks linked to digitalisation and calls for stronger global, regional, and national policies. The ILO’s OSH conventions (Nos. 155 and 187) provide a foundation for ensuring the right to a safe and healthy workplace in the digital era.

Policies and regulations worldwide increasingly include new measures covering robotic safety and human-robot interaction, the right to disconnect, improved algorithmic management of work, and safe telework and platform work.

Worker involvement is essential at every stage of technology adoption, the report argues. Training and awareness raising initiatives are key to ensuring safe use of new technologies. Further research will be needed to fully understand the long-term occupational safety and health impacts of digital transformation.

The agreement covers fire safety awareness training. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The UK's Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has announced a significant training contract with Bahrain-based Gulf Aluminium Rolling Mill (Garmco)

Under the agreement, Garmco is licensed to deliver IOSH’s Working Safely, Managing Safely and Fire Safety Awareness courses.  IOSH has also approved the company’s three tailored half-day courses on CoSSH, confined spaces, and permit to work.

The contract demonstrates Garmco’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the safety of its human capital as well as representing another positive step that IOSH is taking to improve workers’ health and safety in the Gulf States.

Mohamed Rafea, CEO of Garmco, said, “Becoming an IOSH-approved training provider marks a significant milestone in our efforts to foster a proactive safety culture and support our employees’ professional growth.”

He added that the partnership would enable Garmco to provide international safety training that strengthens its team’s competence and knowledge, ensuring they are better equipped to implement advanced safety practices and comply with internationally recognised safety standards.

Iain Mcintosh, senior business development manager at IOSH, said, “We are thrilled to have teamed up with Garmco. It’s another demonstration of what we can offer through our IOSH for Business initiative. We look forward to helping the company to create an internal training function that will strengthen its critical safety initiatives and enhance the expertise of its staff.”

GARMCO works proactively to ensure the health and safety of all employees, contractors and visitors through stringent measures that are governed by GARMCO’s occupational health and safety policies aligned with ISO 45001:2018 and other relevant international and national standards.

The company has a fully-equipped health centre that conducts regular medical check-ups for staff, as well as a fire station that organises fire drills and emergency evacuation exercises. Health and safety rules and guidelines are continuously communicated to all staff, and related key performance indicators are monitored on a monthly basis, together with a review of employee feedback. Job safe practice training and preventive campaigns are conducted on a regular basis, fostering a culture of occupational health and safety. 

As an example, in December 2024, GARMCO organised a Safety Week campaign to raise awareness of the importance of safety in the workplace and equip employees with the necessary information and skills to protect themselves and their colleagues through interactive activities that enhance effective participation among employees.

In February, GARMCO employees participated in the fourth edition of the Bahrain Firefighter Challenge, which brought together firefighters from various government and private sectors, along with amateur participants, to in challenges simulating the field tasks of firefighters. The event contributes to enhancing professionalism among firefighters and fosters community partnership in promoting a culture of safety.

The world’s busiest international airport has been awarded the Airports Council International (ACI) Safety Recognition Award 2025, recognising Dubai International’s proactive and innovative approach to aerodrome safety, positioning the airport as a leading example of safety leadership in global aviation

Presented during the 2nd ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East Regional Assembly and Conference in New Delhi, India, the award was accepted by Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, and Buti Qurwash, Senior Vice President of Safety & Security. ACI’s recognition is given to airport operators demonstrating a commitment to safety that extends beyond regulatory compliance, with a focus on operational resilience and risk management.

The airport has implemented several internal initiatives aimed at fostering a culture of safety. These include the Safety Superstar Award, highlighting exemplary individual safety practices, as well as a confidential reporting system to encourage early identification of safety concerns by employees at all levels.

Interactive educational tools, such as safety videos and targeted surveys, along with joint campaigns between departments and partners, further reinforce safety awareness and shared responsibility. Through the use of data, smart technologies, and real-time insights, DXB is enhancing its capacity to manage operational risks and anticipate future challenges.

Griffiths noted that safety at DXB is seen not only as a regulatory obligation but as a foundational element of airport operations. This recognition from ACI reflects the efforts of teams and partners working collaboratively to ensure a safe, smooth experience for passengers and stakeholders alike.

A drone image

e& UAE has launched a new initiative to modernise telecom tower inspections using autonomous drones enhanced with artificial intelligence (AI).

The rollout marks a significant step in transforming infrastructure maintenance, offering improved safety, faster operations, and reduced environmental impact.

The system integrates real-time data analytics, autonomous flight, and AI to streamline the monitoring and upkeep of telecom towers throughout the country. Flights are operated remotely via the company’s Drones Operations Centre, where teams monitor each mission in real time, enforce safety protocols, and verify the accuracy of inspections.

Unlike manual inspections that often involve significant risks and downtime, these drones can autonomously navigate complex sites, helping to protect workers while increasing the speed and efficiency of assessments. The drones are also designed to assist in emergency response scenarios, where they can support the delivery of aid and ensure network continuity in hard-to-reach or hazardous locations.

Using advanced AI-powered analytics, the drones can identify structural faults or irregularities on the spot, allowing maintenance teams to act before problems escalate. This proactive maintenance approach reduces potential service disruptions and extends the lifespan of infrastructure.

Beyond structural inspections, the drones can also support oversight of safety procedures and detect unauthorised activity around telecom assets, contributing to a more secure and resilient network.

All data collected during inspections is fed into e& UAE’s digital infrastructure management platform. This enables predictive maintenance planning, more efficient asset use, and a smaller carbon footprint compared to traditional methods of tower inspection.

Marwan bin Shakar, acting chief technology & information officer, e& UAE, said, “The integration of autonomous drones into our operations reflects our commitment to reimagining network operations through cutting-edge innovation that improves reliability, safety and sustainability. Through AI-powered insights and real-time control, we are enhancing the safety and accuracy of telecom tower inspections while enabling faster, data-driven decisions that future-proof our infrastructure. And with the support of the Drones Operations Centre, we’re demonstrating how technology can elevate operational resilience while supporting the UAE’s broader ambitions for smart, sustainable cities.”

The recognition is a direct result of the significant progress EMSTEEL made throughout 2024 in enhancing sustainability.

Abu Dhabi-headquartered EMSTEEL, one of the largest publicly traded steel and building materials manufacturers in the region, has been recognised as a 2025 Steel Sustainability Champion by the World Steel Association (worldsteel) for the second consecutive year

The recognition was presented during the worldsteel Special General Meeting held in Sydney, Australia. Now in its eighth year, the Steel Sustainability Champion accolade—part of The Steelie Awards—honours companies demonstrating exceptional commitment to sustainable development in the global steel industry. They have to fulfil stringent criteria, including signing the worldsteel Sustainability Charter, meeting 20 sustainability criteria, providing Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) data, and participating in worldsteel’s initiatives such as the Steelie Awards or the Safety and Health Recognition Programme.

The recognition is a direct result of the significant progress EMSTEEL made throughout 2024 in enhancing sustainability. For example, the company has partnered with Masdar to launch the MENA region’s first green hydrogen demonstration project for the steel industry, positioning EMSTEEL as a leader in the UAE’s hydrogen economy and a driving force for providing sustainable solutions for the construction and manufacturing sectors.

EMSTEEL is also active on the global stage. As a co-chair of the Alliance for Industry Decarbonisation, an initiative led by the International Renewable Energy Agency, EMSTEEL is working alongside 84 partners to set joint decarbonisation targets, including tripling renewable energy production and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 54% by 2030.

As part of its ambitious decarbonisation roadmap, EMSTEEL aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 40% in its Steel Business Unit and 30% in its Cement Business by 2030, with the ultimate goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The company has already made substantial progress, having reduced its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions intensity by 23%.

Engineer Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group CEO of EMSTEEL, said, “Being named a worldsteel Sustainability Champion is a true honour and a reflection of the dedication and hard work of everyone at EMSTEEL. It reinforces our commitment to driving the transition towards a low-carbon future, not just for the steel industry, but for the entire global industrial landscape. With a continued focus on innovation, efficiency, and environmental stewardship, we will build a cleaner, more sustainable tomorrow.

“As the first steelmaker in the world to capture part of its CO₂ emissions, we have been able to operate with 45% less carbon intensity than the global average and are excited to continue playing a cataclysmic role in decarbonising this hard-to-abate sector and the downstream supply chain.”