Ss37-03 New Forms of Work and Innovative Technologies: Opportunities and Challenging Issues for the Future of Decent Work

Abstract Introduction The continuous changes in the world of work and the inherent variability in the workforce require occupational safety and health (OSH) efforts to ensure decent work (DW) conditions. In this view, new forms of work and innovative technologies may represent an opportunity to achieve this goal, but may also characterize a source of OSH risks that can prevent DW realization. Materials and Methods A literature review was conducted to assess the interactions between the pillars of DW and innovative forms of work and technologies, such as industry 4.0 and nanotechnology. Results Industry 4.0 is characterized by a greater automation and computerization that can support workers in more flexible, safer, and socially inclusive job tasks. However, it may create work conditions requiring greater decision-making efforts, responsibility, and man-machine interaction that may raise OSH risks due to work-related injuries and emerging psychosocial stress. Nanotechnology is considerably improving many technological and industrial sectors, thus creating employment opportunities and nano-enabled job tasks (e.g. in the precision farming development). However, scientific concerns have been raised regarding the possible OSH risks derived from an increasing exposure to nanosized-xenobiotics whose potential toxicological behaviour and health impact are still not fully understood. Conclusions New forms of work and innovative technologies can promote, but also undermine, the future of DW. Concerted action should be pursued to critically identify OSH challenging issues and define strategies to overcome them considering also the ‘workers’ rights’, and the principles of ‘social protection’ and ‘social dialogue’ to achieve a responsible DW development.