On Future Occupational Safety and Health Challenges: A Systematic Literature Review

Occupational safety and health (OSH) have constantly changed and evolved throughout the industrial revolutions and in recent years. The aim of this systematic literature review was to give an overview of future OSH challenges in industrialized countries. A search within the Scopus database returned 31 peer-reviewed journal articles published since 2014 on new and emerging OSH risks and challenges in the future. A review of articles identified future overall OSH challenges, OSH challenges caused by climate change, and OSH challenges related to sustainable development and responsibility. In addition, branch-specific challenges in industries and health care were determined. Individual employees can experience a wide range of OSH challenges from heat stress to poison absorption, musculoskeletal disorders, increased psychosocial load, ergonomic issues, and unexpected accidents and injuries. OSH management is discussed and future studies proposed.