From self-driving tractors to AI robots: Fostering healthy workspaces in the EU

In the digital age, more and more companies across Europe are implementing effective and practical solutions to improve worker safety and health. Their efforts are setting new standards for workplaces.

The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work – the EU’s information agency for occupational safety and health (OSH) – recognised six organisations for their innovative and sustainable approaches to managing risks related to the digitalisation of work. The winners are part of the 2023-25 Healthy Workplaces Campaign ‘Safe and healthy work in the digital age’. Running since 2000, these awareness-raising campaigns have now become the largest of their kind in the world.

Winners provide inspiration for workplaces

Eni Cyprus Ltd operates in the oil and gas industry. It developed an easy-to-use mobile and web application to support compliance with OSH requirements that are especially vital in this high-risk sector. The mobile and web application includes a verification checklist for each specific work task and identifies weak signals of potential risks. This allows for a hands-on approach to improving OSH.
The Organisation of Telecommunications of Greece integrated new technologies and digital tools such as drones and virtual reality training systems into their safety, health and wellness initiatives across all of its operational units. The drones improve safety at base stations and virtual reality provides training in emergency response.
Midleton Distillery, Irish Distillers Pernod-Ricard invested in an autonomous mobile robot with AI vision to minimise manual handling when unloading barrels. This reduced the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and workplace accidents. The barrel unloading method has seen a 100 % reduction in accidents.
WineryPerla del Garda from Italy introduced automated driving technology with advanced safety features in their tractors, helping to prevent driver injuries and accidents. By driving itself, the tractor relieves stress and enables operators to concentrate on the tools. The technology immediately alerts the operators of potential obstacles and hazards.
Amarsul S.A., a Portuguese company in the solid waste management sector, adopted technologies such as sensors and wearable devices to monitor the safety and health of its workers and inform them of potential risks, thus avoiding serious incidents. For example, the wearable devices instantly alert security to request medical assistance when a worker is immobilised.
Jacar Montajes, S.L. is a Spanish construction company that applied digital tools such as smart bracelets to prevent heatstroke by warning workers when their body temperature rose. Workers were also equipped with protective eyewear and clothing, and had access to air conditioning, cool water and sunscreen in work huts.