Occupational hazards of emerging technologies: Insights from key-enabling technologies

The rapid evolution of technologies is driving innovations across sectors, introducing increased uncertainty and risks, particularly regarding occupational health and safety. The Key Enabling Technologies (KETs) identified by the European Commission are crucial for industrial competitiveness but require thorough risk assessments to address their hidden hazards. This scoping review study aims to examine and identify occupational health risks linked to KETs. Relevant studies were sourced from Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases using targeted keywords, with a search cutoff of December 2024. Initially, duplicates were removed, followed by a review of titles and abstracts. The full texts of the remaining articles were then analyzed. Ultimately, 36 studies addressing the safety and health aspects of KETs were reviewed. Micro- and nanoelectronics present chemical, physical, psychological, and ergonomic risks, leading to issues such as skin irritation, respiratory disorders, reproductive effects, visual impairments, cancer, and job-related stress. In photonics and advanced materials, common risks include chemical toxicity, oxidative DNA damage, and sleep disorders. Biotechnology primarily poses biological and chemical hazards. Notably, the health risks associated with nanomaterials are better understood due to extensive research. While KETs drive innovation and economic growth, they also introduce challenges for occupational health and safety. Workers face risks from chemical toxicity, physical hazards, and psychological stress, necessitating sustainable and ethical workplace practices. Protecting workers and ensuring responsible technological development require a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating engineering controls, policies, education, and adaptive safety guidelines.