- Project number: F 2585
- Institution: Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA)
- Status: Ongoing Project
- Planned end: 2028-03-31
Description:
Labour inspectors play a central role at the interface between workplace and institutional occupational safety. As an essential component of occupational safety and health systems worldwide, they monitor compliance with legal occupational safety regulations in companies, experiencing the transformation of work up close. At the same time, they themselves encounter the changing world of work in the course of performing their duties. A comprehensive literature review, for example, highlights high work intensity and challenging social interactions with company representatives. Additionally, the use of technology in labour authorities is evolving as part of digitalization. This transformation is exemplified by the workshop series "The Future of Smart and Effective Labour Inspections", which has been organised since 2020 by BAuA in cooperation with LIA and EU-OSHA.
However, little is known about the implementation and participation processes or the impact of introducing new technologies on labour inspectors. The sparse body of research regarding inspectors’ working conditions and digital transformation in labour inspectorates prompted an effort to take a "behind-the-scenes" look and gain new insights through an exploratory analysis.
A mix of quantitative and qualitative studies aims to shed light on both the inspectors themselves and the contextual factors shaping their work. A unique feature of this approach is its focus on Europe, creating opportunities for cross-system learning. The goal of the four-year research project, conducted in collaboration with the PEROSH network, is to identify task-related, technological, and contextual support and risk factors in occupational safety inspections. These findings will contribute to developing a forward-looking perspective on designing inspection activities.