Social Europe

  • EU Forward Project
  • YouTube
  • Podcast
  • Books
  • Newsletter
  • Membership

Robots Boost Workplace Safety, But Only in High-tech and Well-protected Economies

Marco De Simone, Dario Guarascio and Jelena Reljic 28th April 2025

New research reveals that while automation can cut workplace injuries and fatalities, the benefits are not universal across industries and countries.

u4219834673a4ec 0

Globally, the human and economic cost of work-related incidents remains alarmingly high, with more than 2.3 million deaths and 317 million workplace accidents occurring annually. Beyond the unacceptable human costs, the International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates these incidents account for economic costs of around 4 percent of global GDP. 

Despite half a century of progress in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), the problem persists. In 2022 alone, nearly 3 million workplace accidents were recorded across the European Union, including 3,286 fatalities (0.1 percent of total accidents). These figures likely underestimate the true scale of the issue, as workplace accidents are often under-reported, particularly in informal and precarious employment where workers fear job losses for reporting injuries. Structural factors also play a significant role, with higher accident rates prevalent in countries with a strong presence of high-risk industries such as construction, manufacturing, and agriculture. Similarly, smaller businesses often face greater OSH risks due to fewer regulatory obligations and inspections, lower unionisation rates, and competitive strategies focused on labour cost reduction.

Against this backdrop, the increasing adoption of automation technologies, including robots, presents a complex picture for OSH. While offering the potential to improve working conditions, it also introduces new workplace safety risks. Although the impact of robotisation on technological unemployment has been extensively studied, its effect on OSH, particularly within Europe, remains less understood.

A recent study offers new insights into this critical area. We empirically analysed the impact of industrial robots on workplace injuries and fatalities in European manufacturing industries between 2011 and 2019, covering 18 European nations: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, and Sweden. Our analysis examined both the average effect of robotisation and its variations across industries (distinguishing them by technological intensity and innovation sources) and countries (considering institutional differences such as the strength of trade unions).

Before detailing our key findings, some descriptive trends are noteworthy. Firstly, we observed a consistent rise in robotisation alongside a decline in the incidence of workplace injuries and fatalities (Figure 1). Secondly, workplace injuries were most common in Finland, Poland, and Hungary, followed by Austria, Belgium, and France. Fatalities, conversely, were highest in Eastern European economies closely linked to German manufacturing (Hungary, Czech Republic, and Slovakia), as well as in Lithuania and Spain (Figure 2). This heterogeneity can be attributed to several factors, including the prevalence of high-risk sectors, the enforcement of workplace safety regulations, job security levels, and the extent of under-reporting. Moving beyond these observations, our analysis reveals that robotisation leads to a reduction in workplace injuries and fatalities (Table 1). This positive impact can be attributed to several factors, including the automation of hazardous tasks, the modernisation of production technology, improved ergonomics, and organisational innovations often accompanied by training programmes.

Figure 1: Evolution of workplace fatalities, injuries and robots per 1000 workers

graph1

Figure 2: Distribution of fatalities and accidents

graph2

Source: De Simone et al. (2025)

Table 1: The impact of industrial robots on workplace fatalities and injuries

BaselineHigh-tech sectorsHigh protectionMedium protection
FatalitiesInjuriesFatalitiesInjuries
Industrial robots-0.00663***-0.196***-0.0228**-0.996***
(0.00186)(0.0573)(0.00920)(0.286)

Source: De Simone et al. (2025).  Note: Table 1 summarises the estimates of the impact of industrial robots on workplace injuries and fatalities. The ‘Baseline Model’ column refers to our main aggregate estimates; the ‘High-tech sectors’ column refers to the impact of robots in ‘Science Based’ and ‘Specialised Suppliers’ sectors; the column ‘High Protection’ refers to the effect in countries with high protection (Finland, Denmark, Belgium); the column ‘Medium Protection’ reports the effect for countries with medium protection (Germany, France, Ireland, Italy, Sweden). The estimates are obtained using the instrumental variables approach. Standard errors are reported in parentheses. Asterisks indicate statistical significance: *** p<0.01, ** p<0.05, * p<0.1

However, our research highlights that the impact of robotisation on OSH is not uniform and is significantly shaped by two key factors: the technological intensity of industries and the strength of industrial relations.

The reduction in occupational injuries and deaths associated with robot adoption is evident only in high-tech industries, where innovation and skilled labour are crucial for competitiveness. In contrast, robotisation does not improve OSH in low-tech industries, where a significant proportion of accidents occur and process innovation is primarily aimed at cost reduction. In such contexts, the introduction of robots may lead to an increased work pace and a reduced incentive for firms to invest in training and organisational improvements alongside automation.

Industrial relations also play a pivotal role in the relationship between robotisation and safety. In countries with strong trade unions and comprehensive worker protections (such as Finland, Denmark, and Belgium), robots contribute positively to workplace safety. A similar, albeit weaker, effect is observed in economies with “medium protection” (for example, Germany, France, Ireland, Italy, and Sweden). Conversely, in economies characterised by low unionisation, decentralised wage bargaining, and minimal unemployment support (including the Czech Republic, Greece, Lithuania, Slovakia, Estonia, Hungary, and Poland), no significant link between robot adoption and safety improvements is found.

Work-related injuries and deaths remain a significant societal challenge, despite stringent regulations aimed at prevention, controls, and sanctions. Our findings demonstrate that robotisation has the potential to enhance OSH, but this is contingent on specific conditions: deployment in industries that prioritise innovation and skills development, and within institutional frameworks that provide strong worker protections. Without these conditions, the safety benefits of automation remain uncertain.

Some might argue that robots simply reduce injuries by replacing human workers. However, research suggests otherwise. A recent meta-analysis indicates that robotisation has little to no impact on overall employment levels. The real threats to workplace safety stem from precarious work, weakened trade unions, and business models that rely on labour exploitation.

The crucial factor is not the adoption of robots itself, but the manner in which they are implemented. If robots are used primarily to intensify workloads and cut labour costs, they risk exacerbating safety concerns. However, when implemented alongside investments in training, improved working conditions, and organisational innovation, robots can be a valuable asset in enhancing workplace safety.

Marco De Simone
Marco De Simone

Marco De Simone is a PhD student in Socioeconomic and Statistical Studies at Sapienza University of Rome. His research focuses on the impact of artificial intelligence and robotics on workplace safety and workers' physical and mental health.

Pics 3
Dario Guarascio

Dario Guarascio is an associate professor of economic policy at the Sapienza University of Rome. He is also affiliated to the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies in Pisa. His research covers the economics of innovation, digitalisation and labour markets, the European economy and industrial policy.

Jelena Reljic
Jelena Reljic

Jelena Reljic is an Assistant Professor of Economic Policy at Sapienza University of Rome, where she teaches the Economics of Innovation. Her work investigates how technological change shapes labour markets in Europe, with a focus on the employment effects of AI and robotisation, the role of industrial policy, and regional inequalities.

Harvard University Press Advertisement

Social Europe Ad - Promoting European social policies

We need your help.

Support Social Europe for less than €5 per month and help keep our content freely accessible to everyone. Your support empowers independent publishing and drives the conversations that matter. Thank you very much!

Social Europe Membership

Click here to become a member

Most Recent Articles

u421983467f bb39 37d5862ca0d5 0 Ending Britain’s “Brief Encounter” with BrexitStefan Stern
u421983485 2 The Future of American Soft PowerJoseph S. Nye
u4219834676d582029 038f 486a 8c2b fe32db91c9b0 2 Trump Can’t Kill the Boom: Why the US Economy Will Roar Despite HimNouriel Roubini
u42198346fb0de2b847 0 How the Billionaire Boom Is Fueling Inequality—and Threatening DemocracyFernanda Balata and Sebastian Mang
u421983441e313714135 0 Why Europe Needs Its Own AI InfrastructureDiane Coyle

Most Popular Articles

startupsgovernment e1744799195663 Governments Are Not StartupsMariana Mazzucato
u421986cbef 2549 4e0c b6c4 b5bb01362b52 0 American SuicideJoschka Fischer
u42198346769d6584 1580 41fe 8c7d 3b9398aa5ec5 1 Why Trump Keeps Winning: The Truth No One AdmitsBo Rothstein
u421983467 a350a084 b098 4970 9834 739dc11b73a5 1 America Is About to Become the Next BrexitJ Bradford DeLong
u4219834676ba1b3a2 b4e1 4c79 960b 6770c60533fa 1 The End of the ‘West’ and Europe’s FutureGuillaume Duval
u421983462e c2ec 4dd2 90a4 b9cfb6856465 1 The Transatlantic Alliance Is Dying—What Comes Next for Europe?Frank Hoffer
u421983467 2a24 4c75 9482 03c99ea44770 3 Trump’s Trade War Tears North America Apart – Could Canada and Mexico Turn to Europe?Malcolm Fairbrother
u4219834676e2a479 85e9 435a bf3f 59c90bfe6225 3 Why Good Business Leaders Tune Out the Trump Noise and Stay FocusedStefan Stern
u42198346 4ba7 b898 27a9d72779f7 1 Confronting the Pandemic’s Toxic Political LegacyJan-Werner Müller
u4219834676574c9 df78 4d38 939b 929d7aea0c20 2 The End of Progess? The Dire Consequences of Trump’s ReturnJoseph Stiglitz

ETUI advertisement

HESA Magazine Cover

What kind of impact is artificial intelligence (AI) having, or likely to have, on the way we work and the conditions we work under? Discover the latest issue of HesaMag, the ETUI’s health and safety magazine, which considers this question from many angles.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Eurofound advertisement

Ageing workforce
How are minimum wage levels changing in Europe?

In a new Eurofound Talks podcast episode, host Mary McCaughey speaks with Eurofound expert Carlos Vacas Soriano about recent changes to minimum wages in Europe and their implications.

Listeners can delve into the intricacies of Europe's minimum wage dynamics and the driving factors behind these shifts. The conversation also highlights the broader effects of minimum wage changes on income inequality and gender equality.

Listen to the episode for free. Also make sure to subscribe to Eurofound Talks so you don’t miss an episode!

LISTEN NOW

Foundation for European Progressive Studies Advertisement

Spring Issues

The Spring issue of The Progressive Post is out!


Since President Trump’s inauguration, the US – hitherto the cornerstone of Western security – is destabilising the world order it helped to build. The US security umbrella is apparently closing on Europe, Ukraine finds itself less and less protected, and the traditional defender of free trade is now shutting the door to foreign goods, sending stock markets on a rollercoaster. How will the European Union respond to this dramatic landscape change? .


Among this issue’s highlights, we discuss European defence strategies, assess how the US president's recent announcements will impact international trade and explore the risks  and opportunities that algorithms pose for workers.


READ THE MAGAZINE

Hans Böckler Stiftung Advertisement

WSI Report

WSI Minimum Wage Report 2025

The trend towards significant nominal minimum wage increases is continuing this year. In view of falling inflation rates, this translates into a sizeable increase in purchasing power for minimum wage earners in most European countries. The background to this is the implementation of the European Minimum Wage Directive, which has led to a reorientation of minimum wage policy in many countries and is thus boosting the dynamics of minimum wages. Most EU countries are now following the reference values for adequate minimum wages enshrined in the directive, which are 60% of the median wage or 50 % of the average wage. However, for Germany, a structural increase is still necessary to make progress towards an adequate minimum wage.

DOWNLOAD HERE

KU Leuven advertisement

The Politics of Unpaid Work

This new book published by Oxford University Press presents the findings of the multiannual ERC research project “Researching Precariousness Across the Paid/Unpaid Work Continuum”,
led by Valeria Pulignano (KU Leuven), which are very important for the prospects of a more equal Europe.

Unpaid labour is no longer limited to the home or volunteer work. It infiltrates paid jobs, eroding rights and deepening inequality. From freelancers’ extra hours to care workers’ unpaid duties, it sustains precarity and fuels inequity. This book exposes the hidden forces behind unpaid labour and calls for systemic change to confront this pressing issue.

DOWNLOAD HERE FOR FREE

Social Europe

Our Mission

Team

Article Submission

Advertisements

Membership

Social Europe Archives

Themes Archive

Politics Archive

Economy Archive

Society Archive

Ecology Archive

Miscellaneous

RSS Feed

Legal Disclosure

Privacy Policy

Copyright

Social Europe ISSN 2628-7641