2025 will be a turning point in occupational safety. This year’s slogan for World Day for Safety and Health at Work is: “Revolutionary approaches to health and safety: the role of AI and digitalisation at work.” This is not merely a matter of the future; it is a reality that is rapidly changing approaches to saving lives and protecting health in the workplace.
For Ukraine, which is in a recovery phase and still working towards stability, these challenges and opportunities are of particular significance.
The world of labour is undergoing rapid transformation. Technologies that were once considered science fiction are now an integral part of production processes, and their impact is increasingly felt in the field of occupational safety. Digitalisation, complete with artificial intelligence, is fundamentally transforming the concept of safe work, offering new opportunities to prevent risks, respond to hazards and improve the well-being of employees.
Modern occupational safety solutions are based on the integration of advanced technologies, including wearable devices, sensors, video analytics systems, cloud platforms for data collection and processing, and machine learning tools. These innovations enable the real-time acquisition of data on employees’ health, environmental conditions, movement and fatigue levels. By analysing this data, the systems automatically identify potential risks, warn users about them and, in some cases, generate recommendations for eliminating the danger or even take action to neutralise it.
In many countries, these solutions are already delivering tangible results. For instance, Video Analytics System at Enterprises in Ireland that uses artificial intelligence to recognise risky behaviour has helped reduce incidents by 80% in just three months. At the facility, where employees perform heavy physical work daily, ergonomic monitoring devices have been introduced. The system is designed to detect potentially dangerous positions, issue warnings regarding harmful loads, and promote developing healthy habits. This has led to a substantial decrease in the number of musculoskeletal injuries.
The experience of using smart bandages that analyse the alertness level of machine operators using electroencephalography is no less remarkable. Based on this, after more than a million hours of use, these devices have significantly reduced fatigue-related incidents, which were previously one of the main causes of accidents.
The key benefit of new technologies is their proactive nature. Data analysis systems provide employers with more than just statistics; they can predict threats, analyse change dynamics and make decisions based on objective information. This approach enables companies to transition from a traditional incident response model to a systematic proactive prevention strategy.
A key concern is the protection of personal data. Many employees are reluctant to adopt monitoring systems, citing concerns over constant control, intrusion into their personal space and the collection of information unrelated to security. Trust can only be established through a transparent data processing policy, clear lines of responsibility and employee involvement in systems implementation.
For small and medium-sized enterprises, the cost of implementing smart solutions may seem excessive, especially when it comes to complex systems with customised settings. However, the market is gradually adapting, with the emergence of modular solutions that can be implemented in stages, as well as cloud services that do not require significant investment in infrastructure. Furthermore, experience has demonstrated that the initial costs are recovered through a reduction in injuries, fewer sick days and increased productivity.
In the business world, the human factor is often a contributing factor to challenges, including but not limited to insufficient digital literacy, a prejudiced attitude towards change, and fear of job loss. Successful cases demonstrate that when implementation is accompanied by training, employee participation in the selection of tools, and ongoing support, the level of acceptance increases significantly. In some cases, employees become advocates for new technologies, recognising their benefits for their own health and comfort.
Digitalisation and artificial intelligence are not ends in themselves, but tools enabling to rethink safety culture. This is not merely a matter of introducing new devices, but of fundamentally updating values: from formal compliance with standards to genuine concern for people. The future of occupational safety is in personalised approaches, accurate analytics, learning by doing and systematic data-driven support.
In this context, Ukraine has a unique opportunity not only to follow the example of other countries, but also to chart its own path of digital transformation in occupational safety, considering the specificities of the war and post-war period. Innovation can serve as a catalyst for both security and economic recovery, fostering trust in business and generating decent working conditions.
This is why cross-sectoral cooperation between developers, employers, employees and safety experts is so important. Only through dialogue can an effective, sustainable occupational safety system be created: one where technology serves people, not the other way around.
According to EU-OSHA’s definition, smart systems for monitoring workplace safety and health (WHS) are technologies that use wearable devices, sensors, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT). Examples include smart insoles that trigger an alarm when a worker falls, gas sensors that detect toxic substances, smart bandages that monitor fatigue using EEG signals and AI cameras that analyse behaviour and identify potentially dangerous actions.
The implementation of smart systems in the field of occupational safety and health can present a variety of challenges. Certain factors have the potential to hinder successful implementation, including issues with personal data protection, insufficient technical maturity of entities, and low digital literacy among employees. At BDO in Ukraine, we are dedicated to assisting our clients in overcoming any challenges they may encounter. Our occupational health and safety consulting department is dedicated to providing clients with comprehensive support as they navigate their digital transformation journey by:
Case studies demonstrate that innovation is not a substitute for people; rather, it is the means to enhance their safety.
Consequently, smart technologies are not merely a passing trend; they present a genuine opportunity to enhance safety, optimise comfort and boost business efficiency. In 2025, we have a chance to turn challenges into achievements, and to do it together.
BDO in Ukraine is committed to supporting innovative solutions in the fields of occupational safety and digital transformation. We are prepared to assist your company in incorporating the most recent technological advancements to guarantee employee safety and enhance production processes. Should you require advice or solutions to help you create a safe and healthy working environment, please do not hesitate to contact us.
*The article is based on analytics EU-OSHA 2024: Smart digital systems: implementation guide
For Ukraine, which is in a recovery phase and still working towards stability, these challenges and opportunities are of particular significance.
The world of labour is undergoing rapid transformation. Technologies that were once considered science fiction are now an integral part of production processes, and their impact is increasingly felt in the field of occupational safety. Digitalisation, complete with artificial intelligence, is fundamentally transforming the concept of safe work, offering new opportunities to prevent risks, respond to hazards and improve the well-being of employees.
Modern occupational safety solutions are based on the integration of advanced technologies, including wearable devices, sensors, video analytics systems, cloud platforms for data collection and processing, and machine learning tools. These innovations enable the real-time acquisition of data on employees’ health, environmental conditions, movement and fatigue levels. By analysing this data, the systems automatically identify potential risks, warn users about them and, in some cases, generate recommendations for eliminating the danger or even take action to neutralise it.
In many countries, these solutions are already delivering tangible results. For instance, Video Analytics System at Enterprises in Ireland that uses artificial intelligence to recognise risky behaviour has helped reduce incidents by 80% in just three months. At the facility, where employees perform heavy physical work daily, ergonomic monitoring devices have been introduced. The system is designed to detect potentially dangerous positions, issue warnings regarding harmful loads, and promote developing healthy habits. This has led to a substantial decrease in the number of musculoskeletal injuries.
The experience of using smart bandages that analyse the alertness level of machine operators using electroencephalography is no less remarkable. Based on this, after more than a million hours of use, these devices have significantly reduced fatigue-related incidents, which were previously one of the main causes of accidents.
The key benefit of new technologies is their proactive nature. Data analysis systems provide employers with more than just statistics; they can predict threats, analyse change dynamics and make decisions based on objective information. This approach enables companies to transition from a traditional incident response model to a systematic proactive prevention strategy.
Concurrently, the dissemination of smart technologies introduces new challenges.
A key concern is the protection of personal data. Many employees are reluctant to adopt monitoring systems, citing concerns over constant control, intrusion into their personal space and the collection of information unrelated to security. Trust can only be established through a transparent data processing policy, clear lines of responsibility and employee involvement in systems implementation.
Another challenge is the availability of technology.
For small and medium-sized enterprises, the cost of implementing smart solutions may seem excessive, especially when it comes to complex systems with customised settings. However, the market is gradually adapting, with the emergence of modular solutions that can be implemented in stages, as well as cloud services that do not require significant investment in infrastructure. Furthermore, experience has demonstrated that the initial costs are recovered through a reduction in injuries, fewer sick days and increased productivity.In the business world, the human factor is often a contributing factor to challenges, including but not limited to insufficient digital literacy, a prejudiced attitude towards change, and fear of job loss. Successful cases demonstrate that when implementation is accompanied by training, employee participation in the selection of tools, and ongoing support, the level of acceptance increases significantly. In some cases, employees become advocates for new technologies, recognising their benefits for their own health and comfort.
Digitalisation and artificial intelligence are not ends in themselves, but tools enabling to rethink safety culture. This is not merely a matter of introducing new devices, but of fundamentally updating values: from formal compliance with standards to genuine concern for people. The future of occupational safety is in personalised approaches, accurate analytics, learning by doing and systematic data-driven support.
In this context, Ukraine has a unique opportunity not only to follow the example of other countries, but also to chart its own path of digital transformation in occupational safety, considering the specificities of the war and post-war period. Innovation can serve as a catalyst for both security and economic recovery, fostering trust in business and generating decent working conditions.
This is why cross-sectoral cooperation between developers, employers, employees and safety experts is so important. Only through dialogue can an effective, sustainable occupational safety system be created: one where technology serves people, not the other way around.
What are smart WHS systems, and how they work?
According to EU-OSHA’s definition, smart systems for monitoring workplace safety and health (WHS) are technologies that use wearable devices, sensors, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT). Examples include smart insoles that trigger an alarm when a worker falls, gas sensors that detect toxic substances, smart bandages that monitor fatigue using EEG signals and AI cameras that analyse behaviour and identify potentially dangerous actions.
Primary functions of smart systems are:
- Real-time risk identification and assessment
- Incident prevention
- Emergency response
- Recommendations to employees and security specialists.
Benefits for companies and employees:
- Preventiveness: technologies enable hazards to be identified before they cause an accident
- Cost savings: reduced costs for sick leave, investigations and insurance
- Increased productivity: healthy employees work more efficiently
- Real-time training: devices not only monitor, but also teach by correcting actions
- Customisation of measures: data enables decisions to be made that consider the specific situation at a specific workplace.
Step-by-step recommendations for Ukrainian companies:
- Assess risks and needs. What exactly needs to be improved: incident detection, fatigue monitoring, work at remote sites.
- Select a pilot site. Start with one department.
- Engage employees. Discuss goals and let them test the solution.
- Provide training and support.
- Evaluate effectiveness. Compare before and after metrics.
Why choose us?
The implementation of smart systems in the field of occupational safety and health can present a variety of challenges. Certain factors have the potential to hinder successful implementation, including issues with personal data protection, insufficient technical maturity of entities, and low digital literacy among employees. At BDO in Ukraine, we are dedicated to assisting our clients in overcoming any challenges they may encounter. Our occupational health and safety consulting department is dedicated to providing clients with comprehensive support as they navigate their digital transformation journey by:
- Helping to choose the right technology
- Supporting implementation
- Adapting solutions to Ukrainian realities
- Providing training and support.
Case studies demonstrate that innovation is not a substitute for people; rather, it is the means to enhance their safety.
Consequently, smart technologies are not merely a passing trend; they present a genuine opportunity to enhance safety, optimise comfort and boost business efficiency. In 2025, we have a chance to turn challenges into achievements, and to do it together.
BDO in Ukraine is committed to supporting innovative solutions in the fields of occupational safety and digital transformation. We are prepared to assist your company in incorporating the most recent technological advancements to guarantee employee safety and enhance production processes. Should you require advice or solutions to help you create a safe and healthy working environment, please do not hesitate to contact us.
*The article is based on analytics EU-OSHA 2024: Smart digital systems: implementation guide
