text: **New material technologies**(nanotechnologies, chemicals, plastics) have replaced classical materials 
  (wood, stone, metals) and consequently influenced health and safety risks in many sectors. 
  **Biotechnologies**have had much influence in sectors like agriculture, food processing and 
  pharmaceutical production.**Technologies for renewable energy generation**facilitate the change from 
  centralised large-size and plant-based energy generation to decentralised systems, that is, the shift from 
  fossil fuels to renewable sources and to new storage systems, like the development of more effective 
  batteries. Also the change towards a**circular economy and more recycling**requires technologies for 
  the effective and safe reuse of materials and equipment. 
  
  At the same time — contrary or in parallel to a mainstream of technological developments — there is a 
  **small but emerging societal trend of de-technologisation and de-globalisation**, that is,**niche**
  **trends**like ‘Bio’, ‘Eco’ and ‘Regional’, predominantly in agriculture and in food and cloth production. 
  This trend is often caused by ethical and/or environmental considerations on certain types of products, 
  for example, related to the consumption of meat or fish and the use of plastics-based products and fast- 
  fashion clothes. This trend generates — on the producers’ side — working conditions with partly distinct 
  OSH requirements, that is, more safety risks in manual and craft work, and health risks typical for the 
  handling of less treated materials and products, that is, more biological risks. A**similar development**
  **can be observed in human-centred sectors**: individual personal contacts are part of a service offer, 
  mostly higher valued than standardised approaches or even a machine- or computer-supported advice 
  or treatment. 