April 28 marks the 2025 World Day for Safety and Health at Work, a global campaign led by the International Labour Organization (ILO) to promote safe, healthy, and decent work environments. This year’s theme-the impact of digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI) on workplace safety-is especially relevant as Australian businesses adapt to rapid technological change.

Why Focus on AI and Digitalisation?

Technology is transforming how we work and how we manage workplace health and safety. From AI-powered hazard detection to wearable safety devices, digital tools are revolutionising risk management, incident reporting, and worker wellbeing. In Australia, these innovations are helping businesses identify risks faster, respond to incidents in real time, and create safer, more inclusive workplaces.

Opportunities and Challenges

AI and digitalisation offer clear benefits:

• Predictive analytics can forecast and prevent workplace incidents.
• Wearable tech monitors fatigue, exposure, and location in hazardous environments.
• Virtual and augmented reality training allows workers to safely practice high-risk tasks

However, these advances also bring new challenges. Cybersecurity risks, mental health concerns from increased monitoring, and the need for upskilling are all issues that must be addressed to ensure technology enhances-not undermines-workplace safety

How Australian Workplaces Can Get Involved

• Conduct a technology safety audit to identify digital risks and opportunities.
• Host toolbox talks or webinars on AI and safety best practices.
• Trial digital safety solutions like fatigue monitoring or AI-powered reporting tools.
• Engage workers in discussions about how digital tools impact their safety and wellbeing

Safe Work Australia provides free resources and encourages businesses to share their commitment to safety using hashtags like #WorldWHSDay2025 and #SafeDay2025.

The Bottom Line

World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2025 is a timely reminder for Australian workplaces to embrace digital transformation responsibly. By leveraging AI and digital tools ethically and proactively, businesses can build safer, healthier, and more resilient work environments for everyone.