Need for a new workplace safety and health (WSH) strategy for the fourth Industrial Revolution

We are on the cusp of the fourth Industrial Revolution which promises to revolutionize the way we live and work. Throughout history, as society and technology progress, so too have our workplace safety and health (WSH) strategies in regard to better knowledge and enhanced regulation. In this paper,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of industrial medicine 2019-04, Vol.62 (4), p.275-281
Main Authors: Chia, Gabriel, Lim, See Ming, Sng, Gek Khim Judy, Hwang, Yi‐Fu Jeff, Chia, Kee Seng
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adaptive control
adaptive WSH solutions
anticipatory governance framework
Fourth Industrial Revolution
Health
multi‐stakeholder dialogue
New technology
Occupational health
Occupational safety
Risk assessment
Risk management
Strategy
WSH 4.0
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Summary:We are on the cusp of the fourth Industrial Revolution which promises to revolutionize the way we live and work. Throughout history, as society and technology progress, so too have our workplace safety and health (WSH) strategies in regard to better knowledge and enhanced regulation. In this paper, we argue for a new WSH 4.0 strategy which requires us to adopt an adaptive and highly responsive approach to promote Total Worker Health in the face of rapid technological advancements and changes in employment relationships. To do so, we propose a multi‐pronged strategy comprising (i) adaptive WSH solutions in regard to surveillance, risk assessment, and control measures leveraging on new technologies; (ii) effective multi‐stakeholder dialogues for collaborative and sustainable solutions; (iii) an anticipatory WSH governance framework based upon shared values and cooperative responsibility; and (iv) professional development among WSH practitioners. This new WSH 4.0 strategy will enable WSH professionals to remain effective in this coming Industrial Revolution.
ISSN:0271-3586
1097-0274
DOI:10.1002/ajim.22960