With the beginning of the so called fourth industrial revolution and thanks to the diffusion of new technologies (digital and non-digital), industry is experiencing a deep transformation of those mechanisms through which value, innovation and wealth were historically created. The fourth industrial revolution, which was made possible by the availability of low cost sensors and connections, goes together with a more and more pervading employment of data and information, computational science and data analysis, new materials, machines, automated digitalized and connected systems and components. The 4.0 transformation allows to manage real networks which include, integrate and put in communication manufacturing machines, plants and structures, logistics and storage, distribution channels. One of the most undeniable advantages of the fourth industrial revolution is the higher safety level reached through a better man-machine interaction and interfacing. Thus, allowing a meaningful reduction in errors and accidents as well as an improvement of safety and ergonomics in the working place. The employment of production systems, which support and assist workers with their tasks, reduces work related stress and helps the overcome of some limits related to trained human resources availability, work force ageing, integration of workers with disability and such.

From this perspective, the government developed the 4.0 Industrial National Plan which includes specific regulations to support the transformation process of the Italian industries who wish to embrace the opportunities offered by the fourth industrial revolution. These industries can benefit of specific supports, such as man-machine interaction systems to improve both ergonomics and work safety.

The article shows some of the advantages in terms of work health and safety and the relevant opportunities to benefit of economical supports; it also includes some examples of ongoing projects.

With the beginning of the so called fourth industrial revolution and thanks to the diffusion of new technologies (digital and non-digital), industry is experiencing a deep transformation of those mechanisms through which value, innovation and wealth were historically created. The fourth industrial revolution, which was made possible by the availability of low cost sensors and connections, goes together with a more and more pervading employment of data and information, computational science and data analysis, new materials, machines, automated digitalized and connected systems and components. The 4.0 transformation allows to manage real networks which include, integrate and put in communication manufacturing machines, plants and structures, logistics and storage, distribution channels. One of the most undeniable advantages of the fourth industrial revolution is the higher safety level reached through a better man-machine interaction and interfacing. Thus, allowing a meaningful reduction in errors and accidents as well as an improvement of safety and ergonomics in the working place. The employment of production systems, which support and assist workers with their tasks, reduces work related stress and helps the overcome of some limits related to trained human resources availability, work force ageing, integration of workers with disability and such.

From this perspective, the government developed the 4.0 Industrial National Plan which includes specific regulations to support the transformation process of the Italian industries who wish to embrace the opportunities offered by the fourth industrial revolution. These industries can benefit of specific supports, such as man-machine interaction systems to improve both ergonomics and work safety.

The article shows some of the advantages in terms of work health and safety and the relevant opportunities to benefit of economical supports; it also includes some examples of ongoing projects.