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Patricia Helen Rosen’s interest in Human Factors and Ergonomics grew from her training as a psychologist. “Basically, I’m interested in anything that effects human perception, wellbeing or behaviour”. During her studies, Patricia’s focus was on occupational psychology and the factors that contribute to healthy workplaces. “We spend a large amount of our lives in work-related environments, so I believe Human Factors is a very important discipline. Well-designed workplaces that consider all parts of working systems benefit individuals and organisations”.
Taking the step into her role as a researcher with the Human Factors and Ergonomics team at the German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health wasn’t the obvious path, but Patricia knew that it was beneficial to have people from different disciplines working in new and emerging technologies.
Patricia brought this focus to her current role with the Human Factors and Ergonomics team at the German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. “I’m analysing the effects of technology such as advanced robotics on employees and OSH, specifically physical assistance systems”. Patricia expands on her role. “Physical assistance systems include advanced robotics and exoskeletons, so I address topics like user acceptance, interaction quality, task design and developing measures to analyse these factors”.
Patricia’s World Congress abstract on automating tasks using advanced robotics and AI-based systems is the result of a three-year project, working with her colleagues and the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA). Patricia explains the project. “We analysed the consequences of automating cognitive tasks with AI-based systems, and physical tasks with advanced robotic systems”. One of the case studies explains Patricia, was using AI software for identifying fake news. “The AI software was being used by journalists to assist with gathering and sorting information. This created efficiencies and is a good example of where AI isn’t a substitution for a full task, it's a semi-automation that supports the individual during their working day”.
When asked about how AI can benefit businesses and workers in emerging economies, Patricia is clear. “We know from literature, that if we look at the use of robotic systems over a longer time span, the share of routine manual tasks decreases, and the share of non-routine analytic tasks in jobs increases. Plus automating physically strenuous tasks has the potential to benefit workers’ physical health and safety”.
Her personal belief is that AI-based tools have another potential benefit for emerging economies. “There’s an opportunity for broadened access to education and training due to the increase in non-routine analytic tasks: these tasks require upskilling and new knowledge”.
And what are Patricia’s thoughts on convincing people of the benefits of employing artificial intelligence for workers and worker safety? “I don’t really want to convince people. First of all, if they are concerned about AI or advanced robotics, it needs to be taken seriously. In my role, we keep a neutral perspective, and always consider the industry and tasks, and focus on the benefits and risks associated with these technologies”. Placing people’s concerns first, when adopting transformative technologies, is key. “Validate any concerns, for example in workshops, and present the technology, evaluate it, run pilot sessions. Basically, support your workers, and accept that there will be many viewpoints and degrees of understanding”.
When considering what’s next for AI in the OSH profession, Patricia explains that technology will continue being deployed. “But it’s crucial that OSH professionals and organisations leverage opportunities to share knowledge, use the case studies that have been developed, learn from other companies and academics. And continue to consult with workers”.
As we get closer to the World Congress, Patricia Helen Rosen’s considered approach to AI-based systems, advanced robotics and OSH are set to be a highlight of the Unleashing the Power of the Cutting-Edge: Redefining Technology in the Workplace symposium. Her work in this space balances the risks and benefits of emerging technologies and provides delegates with the opportunity to examine the implications and impact on workers and business. When asked what she was most looking forward to in Sydney, “I believe my co-speakers will share very valuable insights on how they are tackling this topic, so I’m looking forward to learning from their experiences. And of course, a bit of Sydney sunshine in the coffee breaks”.
The 23rd World Congress on Safety and Health at Work is a global movement dedicated to preventing injury and an opportunity that OSH professionals should not pass up. Register now to be a part of a worldwide project that embraces transformative technologies.
