New technologies are transforming health and safety in the mining sector.
New research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) has highlighted the need for the effective management and integration of new technologies in the workplace, in order to protect workers' psychosocial health.
A study by Dr Eden Li, which investigated the effects of emerging mining technologies on psychosocial work factors within the mining industry, found that digital transformation, automation and emerging technologies have led to mixed health and safety outcomes.
"This study suggests that technology implementation can simultaneously produce both beneficial and adverse psychosocial effects, spanning the physical, psychological and social spheres. It also highlights that the way workplace changes are integrated and managed is critical in determining these outcomes.
"These insights have important implications for strategical workplace design, highlighting the need for human-centric principles, continuous evaluation, and feedback mechanisms," she said.
On the one hand, new technologies are transforming health and safety in the mining sector by reducing exposure to hazardous environments, automating high-risk tasks, enabling real-time monitoring, and improving training through immersive simulations.
However, Dr Li noted that that these innovations also introduce emerging risks, including the potential for technology-related incidents, increased security and privacy vulnerabilities, and rising cognitive demands that may affect worker wellbeing and job satisfaction.
She noted that the research has emphasised that technological advancements are inherently neutral, and that their impact depends on how these changes are managed and integrated into the workplace.
"Effective management and integration of new technologies is critical to protecting psychosocial wellbeing and ensuring positive health and safety outcomes.
"When we apply human-centric principles, supported by strategic planning, training and reskilling, and continuous feedback, technology can enhance work and improve overall job experience. But if these changes are poorly managed, they can just as easily create new pressures and negative impacts. How we navigate this transition will shape the future of work and the sustainability of our workplaces," Dr Li said.
The impact of new technologies on worker's psychosocial wellbeing, is not just limited to the mining industry. Previous research by Dr Li highlighted the need for operators and policymakers in the construction industry to adopt strategies such as proactive skills training and to address workforce skepticism to allow for the better integration of new technologies into the workplace.
