O3: Occupational and Environmental Health in the Digital Infrastructure Era

Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center 

Room: 295 

CM Credit Hours: 1 

As data centers continue to expand globally and become integral to nearly every industry and infrastructure, the occupational, environmental, health, and safety (OEHS) challenges they present are growing in complexity. While often perceived as clean, controlled environments, data centers pose significant risks-from heat stress and noise exposure to chemical hazards and non-ionizing radiation. These risks span the entire lifecycle of a data center, from construction through operations.

This session will provide a comprehensive overview of OEHS considerations in data centers, including emerging concerns. Drawing from real-world examples and global perspectives, the session will explore the limitations of traditional control measures and highlight innovative strategies for hazard mitigation.

Upon completion, the participant will be able to:
• Explain a foundational understanding of data center design and operations, including common equipment and infrastructure.
• Discuss insights into key OEHS risks-including noise, heat, chemical hazards, and non-ionizing radiation-across both construction and operational phases.
• Demonstrate an awareness of the limitations of traditional OEHS controls in data center environments and the need for tailored mitigation strategies.
• Explain strategies for identifying and managing hazards in their own technology environments, even outside of large-scale data centers.
• Apply a global perspective on regulatory gaps and emerging challenges, including the evolving landscape of heat and EMF regulations. 

Intermediate

Risk Assessment

Work Environments, Occupations, and Industrial Processes

Hearing conservation and noise reduction

Risk assessment and management

Safety

In-person

OnDemand

Virtual

Practitioner

Lecture Only