April 28, 2025From wellbeing apps to wearable sensors, digital technologies are rapidly changing the landscape of staff safety and wellbeing.
As we mark World Day for Safety and Health at Work today, 28 April, it’s a timely moment to reflect on how these innovations are being applied – and what they mean for our staff.
Across the globe, robots are taking on high-risk tasks in hazardous environments, managing toxic materials, and operating in extreme conditions. Digital devices and AI-driven systems can now detect risks before they escalate, reducing harm and improving early intervention.
But, as we embrace these technologies, we must also be mindful that without the right safeguards, digital tools can introduce new risks—like reduced job control, increased work intensity, and blurred boundaries between work and rest.
“At Northern Health, we’re already exploring the potential of digital tools and watching closely as this global conversation unfolds. This year’s World Day is a reminder that as technology evolves, so too must our approach to safety – ensuring our tools support, not strain, the people who use them,” says Graham Wilson, OHS & Wellbeing Director.
“In the digital age, safety is our shared duty – together, we protect each other so everyone can go home to their loved ones, whole and safe,” says Vasalia Govender, OHS Consultant, Northern Health.
“As OHS Professionals, we don’t just want staff to be safe, we also to provide health and wellbeing benefits from work. This means that as well as identifying new hazards as or before they arise, we are always looking for ways to enhance the wellbeing of our staff. New technologies can present new challenges but also new opportunities,” adds Sarah Donehue, OHS Consultant, Northern Health.
Get involved!
Take a moment this week to explore how digital tools are used in your area. What’s working? What could be improved? Share your insights with your manager, Health and Safety Representative or the OHS & Wellbeing team. We’re listening: ohswb@nh.org.au
Together, we can shape a safer and kinder workplace for everyone.
Pictured in featured image: The OHS Team at Northern Health
