Highlights

A discussion paper reviews the implications of Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Extended Reality (XR) and Metaverse for occupational safety and health (OSH), considering opportunities, such as the safe simulation of hazardous working environments. 

Adopted in several sectors, ranging from manufacturing and construction to education and healthcare, the paper also addresses the challenges posed by these technologies. Musculoskeletal risks or vision problems related to the use of head-mounted displays are some of the issues. Additionally, it discusses disorientation and altered sense of time and space that may lead to accidents and stress, as well as further psychosocial risks related to new forms of physical and social interactions. 

Discover more in the full paper Worker exposure to virtual and augmented reality and metaverse technologies: How much do we know? 

See all publications on the topic of Remote and hybrid work