Towards a Sustainable Occupational Safety Governance...

Authors: Nagyné, Hokstok Kinga
Title: Towards a Sustainable Occupational Safety Governance: The Role of Digitalisation and Stakeholder Attitudes
Abstract: The aim of the study is to examine how sustainable occupational safety and health (OSH) practices, digitalisation, and corporate and employee attitudes contribute to economic and social sustainability. The research is justified by the fact that global sustainability expectations and technological development are increasingly linked to the issue of occupational safety, while the expectations of companies and employees are also constantly changing. The study was based on secondary research analysing international reports, scientific studies, and statistical data (e.g. ILO, EU-OSHA, European Commission, KPMG, Porter Novelli). The qualitative methodology used focused content analysis, with a focus on the prevalence of digital occupational safety technologies, the integration of sustainability management, and the attitude of stakeholders. The results show that the use of digital technologies such as sensors, wearables, and predictive analytics significantly increases compliance with occupational safety and health regulations, while integrating sustainability aspects reduces the number of accidents and costs for companies in the long run. Employer engagement and a positive corporate culture are critical factors in the success of sustainable occupational safety and health, while employees increasingly demand ethical and responsible corporate operations. The originality of the research lies in the fact that it examines the relationship between occupational safety and health digitalisation and the Sustainable Development Goals in an integrated way. Its findings are of practical application both in the field of corporate governance and in the development of occupational safety strategies.
Keywords: Economic growth, health, sustainability, technological changes, workplace safety
Cite as: Nagyné, H. K. (2025). Towards a Sustainable Occupational Safety Governance: The Role of Digitalisation and Stakeholder Attitudes. Studia Juridica et Politica Jaurinensia, 12(2), 57–72. https://doi.org/10.71100/STUDIA.2025.2.4
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