ABSTRACT
The aim of this chapter is to demonstrate the potential of novel digital technologies to improve OSH management in modern workplaces, especially in the context of new opportunities offered by the Industry 4.0 concept. First, the definition of smart personal protective equipment (smart PPE) is given, the functions of smart PPE are described, and the roles of systems based on smart PPE, wearables and the Internet of Things (IoT) in OSH risk management process are identified. This also considers the division of these systems into three levels of complexity, and the interpretation of their roles in relation to the hierarchy of risk controls. Next, the examples of use of machine-learning algorithms and other data analytics in the area of OSH are reviewed, followed by a concept of management system, in which OSH-related data are measured within IoT networks to be processed with the use of big data analytics methods. The chapter also includes an overview of legal aspects of protecting workers' personal data that are processed in ICT-based risk management systems, presents various categories of cyber threats that may affect these systems, as well as general mechanism of a possible cyber-attack on the safety and health of workers wearing smart PPE components.
