ILO REPORT
TA LK I NG S H O P
ANG GRAY
MICHAEL EDWARDS MI
Significant demographic shifts are re er our main challenge. We no longer distinguish between what were oles. traditionally ‘male’ or ‘female’ roles. ation What about age profiles and the variation tion in risk perception this brings, not to mention are? the extremes we have regarding duty of care? art We have migrant workers playing a big part in our business economy, bringing issues with language and differences in values, ust beliefs and attitudes towards OSH. We must r, also consider agency or temporary labour, home-working, flexible working and zero hours. And what about generational attitudes to company loyalty? People are much more likely now to ‘job hop’ in search of positions which better meet their personal values.
THE ONES TO WATCH
Tech Technology and demographics will both cont contribute to an organisation’s sustainable deve development, but if you don’t consider the overa overall strategy behind investment in human capit capital, there will be no long-term gain. Our work workforce is our most important resource; with without investing in their future, an organisation will u ultimately fail. Robust investment in health and ssafety will lead to workers that live longer, enjoy a better quality of life, commit to an or organisation and ultimately be more productive. There is a strong rel relationship between investing in training and education and economic growth. With skills and knowledge, human capital can help boost the economy and provide for the future.
Four IOSH content developers discuss technology, demographics, working patterns and sustainability: hot topics analysed in recent ILO report Safety and health at the heart of the future of work.
JO FRAPE
RYAN EXLEY
We now live in a Employers are technological age, and seeing changes in advancements come quicker Read the full report at bit.ly/ILO-future-of-work working patterns that than buying an ice cream. How are bringing new risks to workers. will that benefit the world of work in With new advances in technologies, global the future? Safety is already evolving. We financial crises and other events affecting the world now have drones, so surveyors no longer need to of work, employers are turning to restructuring the work at height – the drone does all the work for them. organisations along with downsizing, subcontracting and Another amazing development benefiting the safety even outsourcing, making it much harder for workers to industry is virtual reality. Training no longer needs have a healthy work/life balance, and often increasing to be done on PowerPoint: workers can now see work-related stress and other forms of mental ill health. and smell real working situations to put their Computers were supposed to reduce workloads and make understanding to the test. Where will we be in working life easier. But in reality, people work longer and two years? Will we have drones with the ability need to be switched on for 24 hours a day. With advances in to fix equipment or change lightbulbs? I don’t technology every day, do we understand the effects they will know, but I’m excited at the prospect. have on safety and health in the next five years?
HAVE YOUR SAY…
We have had our say, but what do you think will have the biggest impact on the future of safety at work? Let us know
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