Occupational health and safety performance in the geomatics profession: the role of digital ergonomics, safety culture and international benchmarking

This study investigates occupational health and safety (OHS) among geomatics professionals who alternate between terrain-based fieldwork and office-based digital tasks. A cross-sectional survey of 99 professionals in Uşak, Türkiye, was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation, multiple linear regression and strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis. Slips and falls were reported by 28.1% of respondents, 37.5% considered protective equipment inadequate and 69% experienced musculoskeletal or visual discomfort during computer-based work. Although 81.3% had received OHS training, regular inspections covered only 53.1% of workplaces. Statistical analyses showed that training, equipment adequacy, ergonomic conditions, digital reporting and governance practices jointly shape OHS preparedness and perceived productivity. International benchmarking also indicated gaps in inspection coverage, equipment adequacy and digital integration. The findings demonstrate the dual physical and digital safety challenges of geomatics work and support stronger inspections, improved ergonomics, technology-oriented training, inclusive practices and sector-specific risk management for emerging geospatial technologies.