Telecommuting & Mental Health: Minister Uteem Calls for OSH Expertise, 5 Key Insights

In a poignant address delivered yesterday afternoon in Ébène, the Minister of Labour and Industrial Relations, Reza Uteem, extended a clarion call to professionals within the realm of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH). He urged them to proffer forward-thinking solutions to the pressing issues surrounding telecommuting and mental health, with the aim of enhancing existing regulations and improving working conditions in an ever-evolving landscape.

Workshop on Workplace Safety
This significant gathering marked the commencement of a half-day workshop, orchestrated by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health Management in collaboration with Business Mauritius, coinciding with the World Day for Safety and Health at Work.

The workshop, themed ‘Revolutionising Occupational Safety and Health: Embracing Change in the Era of AI and Digitalisation at Work’, provided OSH professionals from the private sector with invaluable insights and perspectives on harnessing artificial intelligence and digitalisation for the management of workplace safety and health.

Emphasising Roles and Responsibilities
In his keynote address, Minister Uteem underscored the pivotal roles and responsibilities of OSH personnel in safeguarding workplace safety and employee well-being.

He emphasised the necessity of preventing accidents and occupational diseases through the identification of hazards, the implementation of safety measures, and the enforcement of regulatory compliance.

The Transformative Potential of AI
Reflecting on the theme set forth by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) for the World Day for Safety and Health at Work in 2025, the Minister highlighted the transformative potential of AI and digital technologies in reshaping workplace safety.

He passionately urged OSH professionals to champion the adoption of AI tools within enterprises, not only to enhance physical safety and avert workplace accidents but also to monitor the health of workers through real-time tracking of vital signs.

Navigating Ethical Considerations
While acknowledging the limitations and ethical considerations inherent in these technologies, Minister Uteem called upon OSH professionals to acquire the requisite knowledge to facilitate the responsible implementation of AI and digital tools, thereby fostering a safer work environment.

The Path Forward
Moreover, he recognised the potential costs, the necessity for training, and the cultural shift required for the integration of AI.

Yet, he firmly asserted that embracing these technologies is paramount to the well-being of workers, heralding a new era of safety and health in the workplace.

Source: Le Mauricien