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Item 316 of 426 · Year 12: Software Automation, 23 of 35
Impact of automation
Term
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Definition
Effects on safety of workers, people with disability, the nature and skills required for employment, production efficiency, waste and the environment, and the economy and distribution of wealth.
Example: 2025 Q24 marker note: use the stimulus and give positives and negatives.
Found in: syllabus, sample exam and familiarisation guidelines, school notes.
Where you'll use it in the test
Syllabus area: Y12 Software Automation.
Question types it can appear in
- Short answer: Discuss the impact of automation on workers (2025 Q24)
- Extended response: Use it as a supporting point linked to the stimulus.
Where it has appeared in the paper
Software Automation (Part A, B). Part letters follow each paper’s own layout.
Related past questions
- 2025 HSC Q24 (5 marks): Safety of workers (impact of automation) Software Automation (Part A) · 5 marks
- Sample exam Q25 (8 marks): ML, DevOps, RPA, BPA in security Software Automation (Part B) · 8 marks
How to use it
A model sentence
“Effects on safety of workers, people with disability, the nature and skills required for employment, production efficiency, waste and the environment, and the economy and distribution of wealth.” Then apply it: 2025 Q24 marker note: use the stimulus and give positives and negatives.
In a short answer, give the definition in your own words first, then tie it to the situation in the question. Do not copy the example above unless it fits the scenario.
Command words used with it
- Discuss: Identify issues and provide points for and/or against. (2025 HSC Q24 (5 marks): Safety of workers (impact of automation), Sample exam Q25 (8 marks): ML, DevOps, RPA, BPA in security)
Official worked answer
2025 HSC Q24 (5 marks): Safety of workers (impact of automation) (5 marks): official criteria and sample answer
Criteria
5: Comprehensive discussion of the impact on workers with reference to the scenario. 4: Outlines both positive AND negative ways. 3: Outlines some ways. 2: Outlines ONE way OR identifies some ways. 1: Some relevant information.
Sample answer
The AI monitoring system can improve safety on site by reducing human error through real-time alerts and remote monitoring. It can also help supervisors track workers' compliance with PPE requirements and identify risky behaviours, potentially preventing accidents. However, some workers might feel their privacy is invaded, especially if the wearables continue monitoring during breaks or in private areas like bathrooms. There's also a risk of the system misidentifying safe behaviour as unsafe, leading to unnecessary alerts or stress which could cause distractions at critical times. Additionally, the long-term data collection could be used to improve training, but workers may worry about how the data is stored or used.
Go deeper
- Flashcard: Impact of automation in Software Automation (Year 12) · study that set
- Memorise: Impact of automation on individuals, society and the environment
- Notes: Impact of automation on individuals, society and the environment (Software Automation (Year 12))
- Notes: Skeleton: Assess the impact of automation / discuss human bias (5-6 marks) (Software Automation (Year 12))
- Notes: Assess the impact of automation on the individual, society and the environment,… (Software Automation (Year 12))
- Notes: Part 3. Where this has been examined (see ../../question_bank.md) (Software Automation (Year 12))
- Full term page: every question, note and marking comment for Impact of automation
Check yourself
Explain “Impact of automation” in one sentence, give an example, and name a question type that could test it.
Reveal the answer
Effects on safety of workers, people with disability, the nature and skills required for employment, production efficiency, waste and the environment, and the economy and distribution of wealth.
Example: 2025 Q24 marker note: use the stimulus and give positives and negatives.
Could be tested as: Short answer, Extended response.
Quick multiple choice
Which is a POSITIVE impact of automation on worker safety?
- Fewer jobs are available
- Robots can perform dangerous tasks such as handling hazardous materials
- Workers need no training
- More repetitive work for humans
Show the answer
B
Automation can remove people from dangerous work, though it may also displace jobs and require new skills.
Source: original (written for this study pack; not a NESA question). Open it in the multiple-choice bank.