Extended reality technologies and Metaverse: what implications for employees’ health and safety?

Abstract

The paper investigates both opportunities and challenges in the field occupational health and safety (OSH) connected to the implementation of extended reality (XR) technologies and the Metaverse in the workplace. In particular, after addressing the current definitional ambiguities related to these technologies, the analysis considers their dual role as instruments of innovation and inclusion on one hand, and as sources of new risks for OHS on the other. Special attention is paid to the phenomenon defined as “unwanted virtual interactions” in virtual reality between the employee’s and the colleagues or people outside the organization (like costumers). Considering the nature and the functioning of such technologies, the paper argues that to make really effective the employer’s preventive system the participation of all its actors is crucial and must be emphasized, especially looking at the employee.