Technological Disruption and Workplace Injuries: the Evolving Role of Workers’ Compensation Law

Abstract

Technological disruption, particularly through automation and artificial intelligence (AI), has significantly transformed workplace environments. While advanced machinery and AI systems reduce human exposure to hazardous tasks, they also introduce new forms of risks such as machine malfunctions, algorithmic errors, and human-machine interaction failures. Traditionally, workers’ compensation law operates on a no-fault liability principle, ensuring that employees receive compensation for workplace injuries regardless of negligence. However, in technologically advanced workplaces, determining liability becomes complex. Injuries may result not from employer negligence but from defective algorithms, software errors, or robotic failures. The paper will discuss effects of artificial intelligence and automation in workplace injuries and shall give a view whether the current workers compensation laws are sufficient to deal with the legal and compensation challenges in AI driven workplaces. The paper also discusses how the workplace should have reforms in compensation legislation, insurance designs, and the liability forms that are responsive to the technological changes in the workplace. To sum up, the paper will find that the future of workplace injury compensation needs a holistic, transparent, and equitable techno-legal compensation system to provide worker protection and encourage technological innovation.