IRMA-International.org: Creator of Knowledge
Information Resources Management Association
Advancing the Concepts & Practices of Information Resources Management in Modern Organizations

The Potential of Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing Occupational Health and Safety for Urban Informal Vendors: A South African Case

Author(s): Maasago Mercy Sepadi (Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa), Nicolene Asithandile Dyantyi (Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa)and Kholofelo Khumo Nkwana (City of Johannesburg, South Africa)
Copyright: 2025
Pages: 24
EISBN13: 9798337355689

Purchase


View Sample PDF


Abstract

South Africa's informal sector, including street vendors, faces significant occupational health and safety challenges, including exposure to air pollution, extreme weather, and limited sanitation. Current legislative frameworks, offer limited protections for these workers, leaving substantial gaps in regulatory coverage. Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents a promising solution by enabling real-time environmental monitoring, predictive analytics, and health alerts tailored to high-risk conditions. This chapter explores various AI applications for improving vendor safety, such as wearable devices for air quality and vital signs monitoring, and mobile apps delivering real-time health information. However, barriers to implementation exist, including financial constraints, digital literacy gaps, and data privacy concerns. To address these, the chapter recommends targeted interventions like public-private partnerships and subsidies, and digital literacy initiatives alongside robust policy frameworks that expand OHS protections to include AI-driven health solutions.

Related Content

Bhupinder Singh, Saurabh Chandra. © 2025. 20 pages.
Danilo Piaggesi, Helena Landazuri, Bo Jia. © 2022. 15 pages.
Bassam Hussein, Ali Hage-Diab, Mohammad Hammoud, Anwar Kawtharani, Hisham El-Hage, Amin Haj-Ali. © 2014. 20 pages.
Onyekachi Wambu, Amanda Rodrigues Amorim Adegboye, Kumar Kotecha, Natasha Bonsu, Christine Locke. © 2022. 27 pages.
Paulo Botelho Pires, José Duarte Santos. © 2025. 56 pages.
Body Bottom