Exploring the propagation of technological innovation-driven changes in occupational safety and health

With the advent of Industry 5.0, technological innovation has become a key driver of changes across industries, influencing not only operational structures but also workplace safety and health practices. As organizations increasingly adopt advanced technologies, they often experience a cascade of changes that extend beyond technical improvements, affecting operational processes and, crucially, occupational safety and health (OSH) practice. Despite the growing significance of this issue, research on the pathways through which technological innovation-driven changes propagate to OSH remains limited. Therefore, this study aims to address the research question: How do general changes driven by technological innovation propagate and induce changes in OSH? To answer this question, a preliminary investigation involving five companies was conducted to identify the pathways through which technological innovation-driven changes impact OSH. Based on these findings, a follow-up research design employing a focus group approach is proposed to collect data on the relationship between technological innovation and OSH, further validating the identified pathways. The focus group will consist of key stakeholders, including employers, OSH consultants, and professionals, who can offer valuable insights into the impact of technological innovation on OSH practices. The findings highlight the propagation by which technological innovation-driven general changes induce OSH changes. This study contributes to both theory and practice. Theoretically, it advances understanding of the interplay between technological innovation-driven changes and OSH by mapping the causal pathways of change propagation. Practically, it provides insights for managers and safety professionals, supporting them in managing OSH-related activities associated with technological advancements, ensuring that safety practices adapt to innovation, and fostering safer and more resilient workplaces in the era of Industry 5.0.