Panel discussion organised in cooperation with the Representation of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia to the European Union.

Background to the event

Europe is facing strong competitive pressure. Companies are calling for regulatory relief, practical rules and support for digitalisation and the use of artificial intelligence (AI), while at the same time a high level of occupational safety and health must be maintained. Current national and European debates are taking place at this intersection.

Occupational safety and health between competitiveness and regulation

The European Commission and the Member States are currently focusing on reducing bureaucracy, simplifying procedures, and making greater use of digital solutions. This also applies to occupational safety and health, which – regardless of the specific topic – is often perceived merely as a compliance obligation, even though it can make a significant contribution to productivity, skills retention, and competitiveness. The targeted use of digital solutions and artificial intelligence can strengthen safety and health protection while at the same time providing companies with strategic advantages.

Key questions of the event

• How can occupational safety and health be made simpler, more digital and more effective?
  
• How can European requirements be implemented in a practical way and further developed?
  
• What concrete role can new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) play in this context?
  

In two high-level panels, leading representatives from European and national politics, the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV), business, and employee organisations discussed key future challenges in occupational safety and health. An overview of our speakers can be found in our agenda.

Occupational safety and health often only receives attention once something has already happened. Yet it should be exactly the other way around. Even though the number of workplace accidents in Europe is declining, occupational safety and health continues to face important challenges for the future: how can high standards be maintained whilst ensuring that they remain practical and adaptable?

The discussion at our event “Safe Work. Strong Economy.” showed that simplification is necessary, but deregulation is the wrong approach. At the same time, digital solutions and AI offer new opportunities to make prevention more effective and accessible. 

Read the key takeaways in our event report.