Future Trends and Insights : What’s next for workplace health, safety and scientific innovation
As we close out the 2025/26 financial year and look ahead, it is clear that the world of occupational health and safety is evolving faster than ever. Driven by technological innovation, changing workforce needs and new research priorities, the way we protect workers and understand workplace health risks is undergoing a major transformation.
In this blog, our experts discuss the trends shaping the future, including rising work‑related ill health, the research areas that need greater focus, and the increasing role of AI in predicting and preventing hazards.
Together, these insights highlight where the industry is heading and how employers, policymakers, and practitioners can prepare for a future shaped by prevention, innovation, and smarter use of data.
The Rise of Work-Related Ill Health
Martin Dorchester – Chief Executive Officer
“Recent reports and research show that work-related ill health is rising, but much of it is preventable. Issues such as harmful exposures, musculoskeletal problems, and work-related stress continue to affect millions of workers in the UK and internationally. These challenges reduce quality of life, limit opportunities, and cost the economy billions each year (which it can ill afford).
IOM is committed to using science, evidence, and our practical expertise to help create safer, healthier workplaces across the UK and the globe.”
Research Areas Needing More Attention in 2026
Damien McElvenny – Principal Epidemiologist
“The recent report by Sir Charlie Mayfield will have considerable impact on the occupational health landscape in the UK. The report puts an emphasis on people with ill-health and disability being locked out of work and suggests that employers, employees and the Government need to do more to keep people in work.
This should provide opportunities to develop better interventions to reduce sickness absence, and presenteeism and increase work participation in general.
However, we must not lose sight of improving our understanding of what makes people ill, including especially work-related causes, using approaches that most holistically examine the role of genetics and the environment. ”
How Health & Safety in industry will change in 2026
Huw Wilkins – Director of Industrial Hygiene
“The primary change foreseen is a shift from reactive to predictive management of health and safety driven by AI. Companies will use AI technology to evaluate high-risk scenarios and equipment failures prior to them happening.
The IOM will be using AI powered sensors for workplace exposure monitoring which will result in a shift from reactive periodic checks to proactive, real-time protection. Sensors will monitor real-time concentrations of hazardous substances such as volatile organic compounds, dust particulate PM2.5/PM10, carbon dioxide and toxic gases e.g. carbon monoxide. Specialised sensors will be used to track noise levels, to prevent hearing loss, radiation exposure and extreme temperatures i.e. heat and cold stress.”
As we move into a new financial year, the need for evidence‑based, proactive and people‑focused approaches to occupational health and safety has never been greater. The insights shared by our experts highlight both the urgency of today’s challenges and the potential of tomorrow’s solutions. By combining scientific research, innovative technology and a commitment to improving working lives, IOM will continue to support organisations in navigating change and building workplaces where individuals can thrive. We look forward to working with partners across industry, government and academia to make 2026 a year of meaningful progress for worker health and wellbeing.
If your organisation is preparing for the next era of occupational health and safety, IOM is here to help.