CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT AI and workplace safety: Understanding the impact of AI/ digitalisation on OSH and identifying effective AI policies for safe implementation.

The International Organisation of Employers (IOE) is requesting expressions of interest from independent consultants to support the development of a practical guidance focused on the impact of digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI) on occupational safety and health (OSH), targeting Employers’ and Business Membership Organisations (EBMOs), companies and SMEs worldwide.

About us

IOE is the largest private sector network in the world, representing 50 million businesses through 150 national employers’ organisations. IOE is the sole representative of business in social and employment policy debates taking place at the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations, G20 and other global forums. IOE is recognised for its unique expertise, advocacy, and influence as a powerful and balanced voice for business at the international level. IOE consolidates the perspectives and priorities of national employers’ and business organisations in one single, effective, and coherent voice. Our vision is to create a sustainable economic environment worldwide, promoting free enterprise that is fair and beneficial to both business and society.

Background on topic

The digital transformation of workplaces, including the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), is reshaping how occupational safety and health (OSH) is managed across sectors. From predictive analytics to wearable technologies and automated risk assessment tools, AI offers opportunities to enhance OSH prevention. However, these innovations can also raise new risks, challenges, and regulatory questions, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

To support EBMOs and companies in navigating these developments, IOE aims to develop user-friendly and informative guidance, summarising the key trends, opportunities and risks, best practices and actionable insights related to OSH, digitalisation and AI. The document will be used for awareness-raising, training, advocacy, and policy dialogue.

Scope of work

Develop a concise and practical guidance document (approximately 10 pages) tailored to employers’ business membership organisations (EBMOs) and companies, including SMEs. The document should include case examples, good practices, and key messages to strengthen the capacity of businesses to address OSH, AI and digitalization in the workplace. In particular:

• Identify current and emerging tools and technologies using AI that influence OSH, including those relevant to SMEs.
• Highlight opportunities and risks associated with AI use and digitalisation in OSH and provide an overview of existing or emerging legal frameworks around the world.
• Conduct a brief literature review of recent developments in OSH, digitalisation and AI across industries from a business perspective, assessing gaps and mapping existing guidance (toolkits, frameworks, good practices) that can be of use to Employers’ Organisations and SMEs.

Subject to IOE’s planning and needs, the consultant may be invited to contribute to the dissemination of the guidance, including through participation in an international launch event and/or a webinar aimed at EBMOs and business audiences. Any such participation would be discussed and agreed separately and would not form part of the present consultancy contract.

Timeline: first draft to be provided by end of March 2026. Final work to be delivered by mid May 2026.

Location: Home based/Remote

Competencies:

• Proven expertise in occupational safety and health (OSH) policy and practice.
• Sound understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies in workplace applications.
• Experience producing policy-oriented and practical guidance materials for business audiences.
• Ability to translate technical and complex content into clear, actionable guidance.
• Strong writing and editorial skills in English, with attention to structure and presentation.
• Ability to simplify and communicate complex information clearly and concisely.

Funding: the total funding available is 5’000 EUR

 Required: Candidate must be registered as an independent consultant in their country of residence or apply through a registered organisation/company to be considered for this consultancy.

 Please send your application package (cover letter, CV, samples of relevant work and references) to projectprocurement@ioe-emp.com with the subject line “IOE Consultancy – AI and Workplace Safety.”

Deadline: 13 February 2026.