The Future of Workplace Safety: What's Next?

In this wrap-up paper, we take a look back at the highs and lows of workplace health and safety research as the Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health turns 50 in 2024. Our focus is on what lies ahead in the next quarter-century. Workplace safety has come a long way, but there's still much to do. As we move towards 2049, researchers are setting their sights on new challenges and opportunities. The goal? To make workplaces even safer and healthier. One big hurdle is keeping up with technology. As AI and automation become more common, how will these changes affect workers? It's a question that safety experts are eager to answer. Another key issue is mental health. It's not just about protecting workers from physical harm, but also from stress, burnout, and other mental health issues. Researchers want to understand how to better support workers' well-being. Diversity is another factor that can't be ignored. Workplaces are more diverse than ever, and safety measures need to reflect that. Researchers are looking into how to create safety plans that work for everyone. Of course, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Every industry has its own unique set of challenges. That's why researchers are also focusing on tailored solutions that work for specific jobs and work environments. But it's not all about the future. To move forward, we need to learn from the past. That means taking a critical look at what's worked and what hasn't, and using those lessons to guide the way. In the end, the future of workplace safety isn't just about research. It's about putting that research into action. It's about making work safer for everyone, every day.