European Commission proposes updates to occupational health and safety rules

The European Commission is considering new health and safety regulations as part of a proposed Quality Jobs Act. Following consultations with social partners, the Commission identified several areas where existing directives are outdated due to modern working conditions.

Key areas for legislative updates include the expansion of workplace safety rules to cover remote work and teleworking, as well as extending protections to agricultural and forestry workers. Current directives regarding display screen equipment also require modernization to include tablets and laptops. Additionally, the Commission aims to address emerging risks such as ergonomic issues, extreme weather conditions, and psychosocial risks.

Parallel developments in occupational medicine highlight how artificial intelligence is reshaping the field. While AI offers tools for real-time risk identification and predictive surveillance, it introduces new challenges including algorithmic management, surveillance-related stress, and data privacy concerns. Experts emphasize that successful integration of these technologies requires human-centered governance and new digital competencies for medical professionals.