Applications of artificial intelligence in occupational medicine: a review study

Introduction: Artificial Intelligence (AI) encompasses a range of technologies that play a significant role in various fields of occupational medicine. This review aimed to identify and summarize empirical research studies related to the applications of AI in occupational medicine. Materials and Methods: In this narrative review, scientific research articles published between January 2014 and May 2024 and indexed in reputable scientific databases were reviewed. The literature search was conducted using a combination of keywords related to AI and occupational medicine. Results: Among the 41 selected articles, occupational injuries and occupational accidents were the most frequently investigated topics, accounting for 8 (19.5%) and 6 (14.6%) articles, respectively. These were followed by occupational hearing loss and occupational respiratory and pulmonary disorders. Regarding occupational sectors, the construction industry accounted for the largest share, with 8 articles (19.5%). Furthermore, studies examining multiple occupations and industries simultaneously constituted the largest category, comprising 11 articles (26.8%). Conclusion: Growing research interest in the application of AI in occupational medicine has yielded promising results. However, several areas require further attention, including conducting additional research, diversifying research topics across different fields of occupational medicine and industries, addressing ethical considerations, and making greater use of the diverse methods available in AI.