World Day for Safety and Health at Work

SLOVENIA, April 24 - Artificial intelligence and digitalization are no longer just visions of the future — they have become indispensable parts of our daily lives. Their influence on the work environment and business processes is growing, making it crucial to ensure that human factors are not overlooked during their implementation.

Their role in the workplace is expanding rapidly. Robots are already performing tasks in hazardous environments, handling toxic materials, and operating under extreme temperatures. They are taking over monotonous and repetitive tasks, while digital devices and sensors enable early detection of risks and contribute to greater employee safety.

Despite numerous benefits, digital technologies also bring challenges. If not implemented correctly or if safety measures are neglected, they can increase the risks of accidents and workplace incidents. Furthermore, artificial intelligence raises concerns about privacy, algorithmic bias, and decision-making transparency. Its use must be accompanied by clear regulatory guidelines, ethical considerations, and broader societal discussions.

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Workplace Safety and Health

The proper use of artificial intelligence can significantly enhance workplace safety and health, but it also presents challenges. Excessive reliance on technology may diminish human judgment and attentiveness, leading to errors. Automating certain tasks without appropriate oversight can result in unforeseen consequences.

It is, therefore, crucial to ensure that the human factor remains indispensable in decision-making during critical situations. Artificial intelligence can serve as a valuable tool for data analysis, risk identification, and process optimization, but its application must be carefully planned and monitored to prevent compromising employee safety.

World Day for Safety and Health at Work – Overview of Accidents in 2024

Employers reported 14,349 workplace accidents in 2024 through the Slovenska poslovna točka (SPOT) system, occurring across various work environments:

• 383 accidents at regular workplaces,
• 606 accidents at temporary workplaces,
• 26 accidents related to working from home,
• 318 accidents at assigned workplaces abroad,
• 368 accidents during business trips,
• 103 accidents occurring during commutes to or from work (using employer-provided transport),
• 545 accidents where the exact location was not specified.

Excluding the 103 accidents that occurred during employer-organized commutes to and from work, there remain 14,246 reported workplace accidents, including:

• 16 fatal accidents,
• 916 serious accidents,
• 314 minor accidents.

Data on reported workplace accidents in 2024 reveal significant trends impacting occupational safety:

• Most common causes of accidents: Loss of control over work equipment (28,4 percent).
• Most frequent type of accident: Contact with sharp or rough materials (25,2 percent).
• Most affected industries: Manufacturing (32,7 percent).
• Most commonly injured body part: Fingers (26,6 percent).
• Gender distribution: Predominantly male (69,7 percent).
• Nationality of those injured: Mostly Slovenian citizens (74 percent).

The World Day for Safety and Health at Work provides an opportunity to reflect on effective measures to prevent workplace accidents. Employers play a crucial role in this process, as they can significantly reduce the risks of work-related incidents through proper digitalization of workflows and the implementation of safety mechanisms.

Fatal Workplace Accidents in 2024

In 2024, a total of 16 fatal workplace accidents were reported. The most common causes of these incidents were:

• Falls from height (five cases),
• Traffic accidents (three cases),
• Falling objects (two cases),
• Accidents involving moving machinery (two cases),
• Accidents related to moving work equipment (two cases),
• Worker entrapment by work equipment (one case),
• Electric shock (one case).

The majority of fatal workplace accidents were reported in the construction industry. Age-wise, the victims were predominantly between 50 and 59 years old. Most of those fatally injured were Slovenian citizens, with a few cases involving individuals from Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Kosovo.

Effective regulation and the responsible implementation of digital technologies are essential for improving working conditions. By closely monitoring data and carefully planning the use of artificial intelligence, we can enhance workplace safety and health while mitigating the risks posed by technological innovations.