The Risk Observatory

Priorities for the occupational safety and health of tomorrow

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One purpose of the German Social Accident Insurance’s Risk Observatory is for instance to examine how technological and social developments impact upon safety and health at work.
Source: DGUV

If human factors are to be considered in the shaping of work in the future - all the more so in changing times - we must be aware of what awaits us. The early detection of trends in the world of work is important in this context. The DGUV Risk Observatory, located at the IFA, is one such early detection system.

The survey conducted recently by the Risk Observatory identified a number of trends that will be of particular relevance to the work of the German Social Accident Insurance in the coming years. These trends and their impact on occupational safety and health are described in a new trend portal.

Focus on trends

By monitoring and analysing trends, the Risk Observatory identifies key topics for occupational safety and health:

What trends in particular will shape the world of work and education in the coming years?
Which of these trends impact upon the safety and health of insured persons?
What specific risks and opportunities arise as a result?
What are the resulting findings and perspectives for occupational safety and health?

These four questions are at the heart of the Risk Observatory’s evaluations. The analysis method and its sequencing are described in detail under Methodology of the Risk Observatory.

The results obtained by the Risk Observatory serve as starting points for networking, dialogue and cooperation within the German Social Accident Insurance and with external partners. They facilitate the setting of priorities and pooling of experience. This in turn saves resources and avoids duplication of effort.

The Risk Observatory over the years

The Risk Observatory was established at the IFA in 2011, and is currently in its third survey cycle. The results of the first two survey cycles are still available online (see the "Publications" service box); however, they must be viewed against the backdrop of developments and knowledge at the time. The results of the current, third survey round include the collection of trends and descriptions of top trends, which are presented for the first time in a trend portal.