Programme

Jan Erola
Moderator

Carita Aschan
Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH)

Raimo Antila
Ministry of Social Affairs and Health
Department for Work and Gender Equality

Session 1

Occupational safety in a digital and green world

This opening session explores how Europe's digital transformation and green transition are reshaping occupational safety paradigms. The session examines rapidly evolving technologies such as AI, Internet of Things and robotics that are transforming workplace safety management and analyses regulatory approaches that will define the future of occupational health and safety. The session addresses the critical role of European standards in ensuring new technologies and green innovations while maintaining robust safety requirements. Additionally, the discussion covers recent regulatory developments and how European OSH legislation is adapting to digital workplace transformation and sustainable technologies.

Session 2

Sustainability and climate change

The session addresses the impact of climate change on occupational safety and health and examines which new approaches to worker protection are needed in response to environmental changes. It will also cover the REACH Regulation and chemicals which are banned due to their adverse effects on the climate and the resulting implications for industry practices. Experts will finally take the floor to explore innovations and safety measures in the green and digital sectors, focusing on how technological advancements can contribute to sustainable development and safety.

Discussion: Navigating Tomorrow's Challenges: Innovations and safety in a green and digital world

1. Replacing SF₆ with Krypton: A greener way to test laboratory fume hoods and respiratory protective devices
2. The impact of climate change on microbiological agents – a smooth transition to a sustainable future or a real threat to public health?
3. Hydrogen use and storage
4. Health and Safety in Circular Buildings: The Role of Digital Product Passports, Information Transparency and Traceability
5. Safe methods for battery recycling

Moderator: Thomas Alexander
BAuA, Germany

1. Stéphanie Marsteau
   Research and Safety Institute for the Prevention of Occupational Accidents and Diseases (INRS), France
2. Rafał Górny
   Central Institute for Labour Protection – National Research Institute (CIOP-PIB), Poland
3. Ewelina Broda-Kaczmarek
   German Social Accident Insurance Institution for the Raw Materials and Chemical Industry (BG RCI)
4. Katja Tähtinen
   Aalto University, Finland
5. Hanna Seppälä
   Stena Recycling, Finland

Session 3

Personal protective equipment

The digital and green transition as well as climate change are undoubtedly affecting the world of PPE. New items of legislation addressing this new scenario have a direct impact on the PPE Regulation, for example the General Product Safety Regulation, the Internal Market Emergency and Resilience Act, the omnibus regulation on digitalization, common specifications and emergency situations and questions concerning dual use. Furthermore, PPE is in continuous evolution, not only technically by incorporating artificial intelligence, but also by considering inclusiveness as a crucial part of social sustainability. 

Another important aspect is the protection of products and certification processes against falsification, where blockchain technology is emerging as a powerful instrument to guarantee authenticity and trust. This session will therefore bring together different perspectives concerning the regulation, inclusiveness, digital innovations, and trustworthy certification mechanisms that shape the present and future of PPE in Europe.

Session 4

Digitalization

The session will deal with digital innovation and take a closer look at the role of artificial intelligence at the workplace. It will address the implications of the European Cybersecurity Act and explore the risks and opportunities that AI presents for occupational safety and health. Apart from offering insights into practical implementation strategies, the session comprises a panel discussion on the challenges connected with putting AI into practice. It will allow users, manufacturers and test bodies to discuss their hopes and concerns.

Round table: AI and machinery - from legislation to application

1. Users
2. Testing and certification
3. Manufacturer

1. Dr. Michael Bretschneider-Hagemes
   European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC)
2. Pierre Belingard
   EUROGIP, France
3. Otto Görnemann
   SICK AG, Germany

Session 5

AI and machinery

This session explores the intersection of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and machinery in the context of occupational safety and health. Weak points of functional safety in machinery and complex technical equipment against cyber attacks will be highlighted and mirrored against new requirements for AI and cybersecurity related to the Machinery Regulation. Experts will discuss the latest trends in autonomous vehicles, standardization of automated handling systems and innovative strategies to prevent collisions between vehicles and pedestrians. The session will thus provide insights into how AI, cybersecurity and standardization efforts are jointly shaping the safe integration of autonomous and intelligent machinery into workplaces.

Session 6

Occupational safety and health in a future global context

This session explores occupational safety and health within changing international dynamics. The discussion examines artificial intelligence as a tool for OSH management and Europe's role in global standardization. Key topics include diverging ISO standards and EU legislation, the viability of European sustainability and digitalization approaches as global models, and shifting power dynamics in international standardization. The session addresses how Europe can maintain influence in standards with an impact on occupational safety and health while adapting to new global forces and emerging market leaders. 

Round table: Europe's future role among global forces

With legislation such as the Green Deal and the AI Act, the EU has introduced a comprehensive regulatory framework aimed at establishing a circular economy and imposing ethical and safety restrictions for AI. This distinguishes Europe from other global players such as the USA, China, India and Russia, where regulation is either more fragmented or less stringent. What is the consequence for Europe if ISO standards are no longer compatible with EU legislation? Are European (OSH) ideas regarding sustainability and AI/digitalization realistic in view of global developments, or can they even be a model for the rest of the world? How can Europe and the OSH community assert its interests in international standardisation in the long term?

1. Ewa Zielińska
   Polish Committee for Standardization (PKN)
2. Nastazja Potocka-Sionek
   University of Luxemburg
3. Katrin Behnke
   European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC)
4. Esa Kivisoja
   Finnish Work Safety Association