Software Engineering › Key terms › Y12 Software Automation › Safety of workers
Safety of workers
Definition
Robots take over dangerous tasks (positive) but can cause injury or stress if poorly designed (negative).
Example: Robots handle toxic chemicals.
Found in: syllabus, 2025 HSC marking guidelines, sample exam and familiarisation guidelines, school notes.
Where it is used in the test
Syllabus area: Y12 Software Automation.
Question types it can appear in
- Short answer: Define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.
- Extended response: Use it as a supporting point linked to the stimulus.
Where it has appeared in the paper
Software Automation (Part A). 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
These are the questions the flashcard set links to this term. Open each one and compare your answer with its marking criteria.
Study links
- Flashcard: Safety of workers in Software Automation (Year 12) · study that set
- Memorise: Impact of automation on individuals, society and the environment
- Notes: Assess the impact of automation on the individual, society and the environment,… (Software Automation (Year 12))
- Notes: Impact of automation on individuals, society and the environment (Software Automation (Year 12))
- Notes: Part 3. Where this has been examined (see ../../question_bank.md) (Software Automation (Year 12))
- Master answer: Topics in this module (Master model answers: Software Automation)
How to use it in an answer
A model sentence
“Robots take over dangerous tasks (positive) but can cause injury or stress if poorly designed (negative).” Then apply it: Robots handle toxic chemicals.
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))
Technique for the question types
- Short answer: One clear point per mark, use the stimulus and course terms, and answer the command word.
- Extended response: Plan with the command word, give a judgement or explanation supported by named details from the stimulus, use course terms and cover both sides when asked.
What the marking guidelines and feedback say
Marker feedback: discuss BOTH positive and negative; show how the AI components (cameras, sensors, stored data) could improve future workplace practice; use elements of the stimulus.
Worked answers from the marking guidelines
2025 HSC Q24 (5 marks): Safety of workers (impact of automation) (5 marks): 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.
Common mistakes
- Use the term exactly as the syllabus words it, then link it to the scenario in the question; the 2025 feedback repeatedly rewards using the stimulus.
- Answer the command word: outline gives main points only, explain gives a reason or cause, discuss gives both sides.
Related terms
Same group in the syllabus: Impact of automation · People with disability · Nature and skills of employment · Production efficiency, waste and the environment · Economy and distribution of wealth · Patterns in human behaviour · Bias (human and dataset)