Occupational health and safety in the age of automated engineering solutions in agriculture

Oleg Ivanov*, Nadiia Opara

oleg.ivanov@pdau.edu.ua

Received 22.10.2025, Revised 03.03.2026, Accepted 28.04.2026, Published 29.05.2026
Abstract

The rapid implementation of automated engineering solutions in agriculture has significantly transformed occupational health and safety conditions. The purpose of this study was to analyse the impact of automation on occupational safety in the agricultural sector, identify emerging risks, and develop practical approaches to safety management. The research was based on a comprehensive methodological framework combining system analysis, comparative legal analysis, risk classification, and cases described in scientific literature involving automated systems. National regulatory frameworks were examined alongside international standards to assess their adequacy in addressing the challenges associated with agricultural automation. The results demonstrated that automation does not eliminate occupational risks but leads to their transformation, forming a multidimensional risk system in which traditional hazards are supplemented by new categories, including risks related to human–machine interaction, cybersecurity, and increased psychophysiological load. It was established that the transition from manual labour to supervisory and analytical functions reduces direct physical risks while increasing dependence on system reliability, data accuracy, and decision-making processes. The study also revealed significant regulatory gaps, particularly in liability distribution, software reliability, and safety requirements for autonomous systems. In addition, the results confirmed the transformation of labour functions, characterised by increased demand for digital competencies and the need for structured training and certification systems. The practical significance of the study lies in the development of applied safety management approaches, including scenario-based risk assessment, implementation of digital monitoring systems, and continuous personnel training. The application of these measures contributes to reducing occupational injuries, minimising downtime, improving process controllability, and enhancing the overall efficiency of agricultural enterprises. However, their effectiveness depends on overcoming regulatory, organisational, and financial constraints

Keywords:
human-machine interaction; autonomous agricultural systems; industrial cybersecurity; precision farming technologies; risk transformation; robotics

Retrieved from Volume 24, No. 1, 2026

Pages 73–85

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Ivanov, O., & Opara , N. (2026). Occupational health and safety in the age of automated engineering solutions in agriculture. Journal of Kryvyi Rih National University, 24(1), 73-85. https://doi.org/10.31721/2306-5451-2026-1-24-73-85
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