The safety advisor in 2036: what skills and knowledge will be needed to cope with the complex adaptative world of Industry 4.0
(2024) FLMU16 20232Division of Risk Management and Societal Safety
- Abstract
- This thesis investigates the evolving role of safety professionals in the context of Industry 4.0, aiming to delineate the requisite skills and knowledge for effective practice in the year 2036. Through a comprehensive literature review and two rounds of Delphi method analysis, the study
explores the transformative impact of technological advancements on the safety profession and the broader implications for occupational health and safety (OH&S) practices.
The core of the investigation centres on identifying current gaps in safety professionals' competencies and predicting future needs, particularly in an industrial landscape increasingly influenced by cyber-physical systems and smart technologies. The research hypothesises that the... (More) - This thesis investigates the evolving role of safety professionals in the context of Industry 4.0, aiming to delineate the requisite skills and knowledge for effective practice in the year 2036. Through a comprehensive literature review and two rounds of Delphi method analysis, the study
explores the transformative impact of technological advancements on the safety profession and the broader implications for occupational health and safety (OH&S) practices.
The core of the investigation centres on identifying current gaps in safety professionals' competencies and predicting future needs, particularly in an industrial landscape increasingly influenced by cyber-physical systems and smart technologies. The research hypothesises that the future safety professional will need a robust blend of technical, interpersonal, and strategic skills to navigate the complexities of Industry 4.0. The thesis articulates a future where safety professionals are not only compliance officers but also integral business partners who contribute
to organisational resilience and innovation.
The methodology employed combines a review of existing literature with two rounds of Delphi studies involving safety professionals and industry leaders. This approach facilitates a forward-looking discussion that integrates diverse expert opinions on the future state of safety practice. Initial findings from the first Delphi round underscore a consensus on the increasing
importance of system thinking, risk management capabilities, and proactive safety measures. Further insights from the second round reveal an expected shift towards greater emphasis on cross-functional collaboration, continuous learning, and adaptation skills.
This study contributes to the field by offering a visionary perspective on the role of safety professionals, emphasising the need for an updated educational framework that aligns with the technological, organisational, and environmental dynamics of Industry 4.0. The proposed educational reforms aim to enhance the strategic importance of safety professionals, preparing them to effectively manage both existing risks and emerging challenges.
In conclusion, the thesis advocates for a redefined role of safety professionals as proactive, integral components of organisational leadership teams, equipped with the skills to anticipate, respond, and adapt to the dynamic demands of a technologically advanced workplace. The findings are expected to inform both academic curricula and professional training programs,
ultimately contributing to the development of a new generation of safety professionals who are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future industrial landscape. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
http://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/9153673
- author
- van Goethem, Timothy LU
- supervisor
- organization
- course
- FLMU16 20232
- year
- 2024
- type
- H1 - Master's Degree (One Year)
- subject
- keywords
- Industry 4.0, Safety Professional, Occupational Health and Safety, Delphi Method, Skills and Knowledge, Risk Management, Resilience, Curriculum, Education, FLMU06
- language
- English
- id
- 9153673
- date added to LUP
- 2024-05-23 07:05:52
- date last changed
- 2024-05-23 07:05:52
@misc{9153673,
abstract = {{This thesis investigates the evolving role of safety professionals in the context of Industry 4.0, aiming to delineate the requisite skills and knowledge for effective practice in the year 2036. Through a comprehensive literature review and two rounds of Delphi method analysis, the study
explores the transformative impact of technological advancements on the safety profession and the broader implications for occupational health and safety (OH&S) practices.
The core of the investigation centres on identifying current gaps in safety professionals' competencies and predicting future needs, particularly in an industrial landscape increasingly influenced by cyber-physical systems and smart technologies. The research hypothesises that the future safety professional will need a robust blend of technical, interpersonal, and strategic skills to navigate the complexities of Industry 4.0. The thesis articulates a future where safety professionals are not only compliance officers but also integral business partners who contribute
to organisational resilience and innovation.
The methodology employed combines a review of existing literature with two rounds of Delphi studies involving safety professionals and industry leaders. This approach facilitates a forward-looking discussion that integrates diverse expert opinions on the future state of safety practice. Initial findings from the first Delphi round underscore a consensus on the increasing
importance of system thinking, risk management capabilities, and proactive safety measures. Further insights from the second round reveal an expected shift towards greater emphasis on cross-functional collaboration, continuous learning, and adaptation skills.
This study contributes to the field by offering a visionary perspective on the role of safety professionals, emphasising the need for an updated educational framework that aligns with the technological, organisational, and environmental dynamics of Industry 4.0. The proposed educational reforms aim to enhance the strategic importance of safety professionals, preparing them to effectively manage both existing risks and emerging challenges.
In conclusion, the thesis advocates for a redefined role of safety professionals as proactive, integral components of organisational leadership teams, equipped with the skills to anticipate, respond, and adapt to the dynamic demands of a technologically advanced workplace. The findings are expected to inform both academic curricula and professional training programs,
ultimately contributing to the development of a new generation of safety professionals who are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future industrial landscape.}},
author = {{van Goethem, Timothy}},
language = {{eng}},
note = {{Student Paper}},
title = {{The safety advisor in 2036: what skills and knowledge will be needed to cope with the complex adaptative world of Industry 4.0}},
year = {{2024}},
}