The Risks of ‘Over-Automating’ the Workplace

Automation has become increasingly sought-after for modern, evolving workplaces across a spectrum of industries. Automation can be used to streamline manufacturing operations, manage routine office tasks with minimal human intervention, conduct risk assessments and boost efficiency, among a whole host of other advantages.

Given the scale of the global automation market ($193.87 billion in 2024 and poised to reach a $205.11 billion valuation in 2025), it’s fair to say that this will become more accessible and attainable for businesses sector-wide. It’s certainly not ambitious to suggest that automation is fundamentally transforming how companies currently operate and how they will in the near future.

However, as businesses embrace these innovations, it’s important to maintain a level head and avoid your organisation becoming ‘over-automated’. With the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) and intelligent digital technologies, it’s easy to become too reliant on technology to the point where it becomes a health and safety concern. How is this possible and what can health and safety professionals do about it?

This short guide considers the potential risks of over-automation and how management can maintain appropriate human oversight and prevent it from escalating too far.

The Evolution of Workplace Automation

The journey toward automation began with mechanisation in traditional manufacturing but has since expanded dramatically across all sectors.

Today’s automated systems handle everything from complex assembly operations to routine administrative and financial tasks. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this trend, with many organisations implementing automated solutions to maintain operations while reducing person-to-person contact.

There has been an outcry, however, for companies to exercise caution when deploying automation solutions, specifically to balance the benefits of increased efficiency and careful human supervision. Software, like humans, is not error-prone, meaning tasks – such as payroll processing, content creation, logistics, warehouse management, and others – can still be automated, but require careful supervision to ensure accuracy and validity.

Source – hse-network.com