This year’s World Day for Safety and Health at Work is observed under the International Labour Organization (ILO) theme “Revolutionizing health and safety: the role of AI and digitalization at work” which highlights how emerging technologies can transform prevention and protection in every workplace. While many enjoy the protections secured by past movements, millions of people and a big part of the world workforce still face precarious employment, wage inequality, and unsafe working conditions. Held each year on April 28 just days before May Day, the ILO World Day for Safety and Health at Work builds on the same spirit of labour solidarity embodied by May Day by focusing on preventing occupational accidents and diseases globally. This article will delve into a series of global case studies to show how AI and digital tools are being applied ethically and inclusively to bolster worker dignity, equity and well-being.
The idea of labour is now no longer confined to the four walls of factories, the alignments of fields, or the pillars of construction sites. With the competitive rise of digital economies, remote work, gig platforms, and AI integration, a worker is now as likely to be behind a screen as they were before— behind a machine. Labour Day must expand its definition of solidarity to include these workers whose struggles are less visible but no less real. It was not until August 20, 1866, that the National Labor Union in the United States formally demanded this standard. Prior to that, labourers routinely endured gruelling 10 to 16-hour shifts in dangerous and exhausting conditions.
A day to recognise workplace safety and the health of the workers: Following the work environment issue, another day was established to recognise the need for a safe, healthy, and decent workplace. The World Day for Safety and Health at Work has been celebrated on 28th April since the year of 1919. Over the last century, ILO has managed to develop a graceful standard set on occupational safety and health. This year the theme of this day was ‘Revolutionising health and safety: the role of AI and digitalisation at work’. The evolution of the workplace was kept in mind while designing the theme.
According to ILO’s data, over 2.78 million workers die annually from work-related accidents or diseases, and 374 million suffer non-fatal injuries. Digital tools like predictive analytics and wearable sensors can reduce incidents by up to 30 per cent, showcasing the transformative potential of smart technology when implemented ethically and inclusively across industries.
AI as a helping hand: According to the OECD AI surveys conducted among employers and workers, four out of five employees shared that AI has actually helped them perform better in their roles. Interestingly, three out of five also mentioned that their overall enjoyment at work has increased since AI became part of their daily tasks. In the ‘Technology and Innovation Report 2025’ by UNCTAD, it was clearly mentioned that the adoption of AI in developing countries can be accelerated by redesigning AI solutions and inclusive AI requires a strong emphasis on workers and their professional growth as AI can certainly transform production.
Let us go through some case studies from different corners of the world where AI as a digitalisation tool, contributed a helping hand to human workers.
AI into company operations (Brazil). A Brazilian company named Fluna is setting a new standard in workplace efficiency by blending AI into its core operations. This firm has developed a hyper-automation platform that empowers businesses to streamline daily processes and enhance decision-making. With robotic process automation, low-code tools, and artificial intelligence, the platform reshapes how organisations function. Instead of spending hours on repetitive tasks, employees can now redirect their focus toward more meaningful, value-driven contributions. It’s a promising example of how digital tools—when thoughtfully integrated—can revolutionise workflow while preserving the human core of work.
Detecting the threats (USA). Many workplaces are adopting AI not just for productivity, but for protection. In the United States, companies like Amazon have implemented AI-driven safety tools like the Proactive Safety System, which analyses real-time footage from warehouse floors to detect potentially dangerous behavior. While there have been debates about surveillance, this system has reduced incidents in some pilot zones. They also mention safety cautions for their employee instruction very seriously.
Aiding the Old workers (Japan). Japan is a country deeply invested in robotics. They also use AI-powered exoskeletons in eldercare and heavy industries. These assistive suits are designed to prevent musculoskeletal injuries. It especially applies for older workers—by reducing physical strain. In a 2022 case study from a Tokyo-based logistics company, injury rates dropped by over 30 per cent after deploying these devices.
The healthcare sector of Japan is now getting accustomed with AI robots as there is a critical shortage of nurses because of its aging population. AI robots, such as AIREC, are being developed to provide assistance with elderly care tasks. These digital employees can prove very helpful and take some pressure off human workers whereas they can be more productive in other sectors.
Avoiding workplace hazards (India). Even in developing nations like India, digital platforms are being used to log and analyse workplace hazards. Startups such as Zasti AI are working with healthcare and manufacturing sectors to flag risks like exposure to hazardous materials or stress-related health declines based on biometric data. These data help to figure out the overall health safety of the workers.
Like Japan, India is also thinking of investing more in AI to ease the workload of medical staff as mentioned in a Report of Reuters from March, 2025. Time-consuming tasks such as patient inquiries, follow-ups, and appointment scheduling can be easily done by utilising AI tools if properly applied.
There was a time when workplace safety only meant hard hats, gloves, and a caution sign near a slippery floor. Today, it also means algorithms that monitor fatigue levels, sensors predicting equipment failure, and data dashboards warning of potential health hazards. With the rapid growth of AI and digital tools in our work environments, the concept of safety has expanded—and so have the challenges.
We are now at a turning point where AI does not just automate tasks but participates in decision-making that directly affects human well-being. It is being used to create a safer environment for work and workers.
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