## 6 Conclusions, Limitations, and Future Work
### Limitations and Future Work  
While this study offers a comprehensive synthesis of the current literature on the integration of DT and IM technologies to enhance OHS in the manufacturing sector, several limitations must be acknowledged.  
First, the study is based on the SLR approach, which is limited by its exclusive reliance on peer-reviewed literature and does not incorporate empirical or experimental data. Consequently, the findings are based on existing interpretations, case studies, and technological descriptions found in the literature, which limits their applicability in real-world industrial contexts. The real-world validation of DT models is still limited, as most studies often focus on theoretical frameworks and case studies, in contrast to extensive empirical testing. To address these limitations, future research should incorporate empirical case studies and cross-sector benchmarking to enhance the robustness and applicability of these insights.  
Second, the selected studies spanned diverse technologies and geographic regions, resulting in considerable heterogeneity. Thus, the findings of this study should be interpreted with caution regarding their generalizability. However, the emerging technologies identified present promising opportunities for enhancing OHS, their applicability and effectiveness are likely to vary across organizational scales and geographic regions. This diversity complicates the generalization of the findings across all manufacturing settings. Moreover, some technologies, in particular, IM, remain in conceptual or early developmental stages, with varying levels of maturity and readiness across different sectors and countries.  
Finally, the analysis primarily emphasizes the technological potential and conceptual framework of DT, IM, and other interconnected enabling technologies rather than quantifying specific OHS outcomes, such as reductions in workplace accidents, absenteeism, or ergonomic risks. Future research should build on this conceptual foundation by incorporating empirical case studies, user-centered evaluations, and longitudinal assessments over an extended period. Additionally, future research could also investigate the long-term psychological and physiological impacts of immersive training environments on workers.  
Nevertheless, the integration of DT and IM technologies marks a pivotal advancement in enhancing the OHS in manufacturing. These limitations, while not undermining the relevance of the findings, highlight the need for further research to validate and expand the proposed advanced digital ecosystem in real-world OHS environments. This study lays a foundational framework for future research and practical implementation, encouraging further exploration of human-centered digital ecosystems that support safer, smarter, and more sustainable industrial operations and the transition to the Industry 5.0 vision.  
We acknowledge financial support under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), Mission 4, Component 2, Investment 1.1, Call for tender No. 1409 published on 14.9.2022 by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR), funded by the European Union--NextGenerationEU--Project Title \"GENIUS--A GrGen Network for an Integrated bUsiness Strategy to monitor sustainability measures\" CUP E53D2301682 0001 Grant Assignment Decree No. 1385 adopted on 1 September 2023 by the Italian Ministry of Ministry of University and Research (MUR).  
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.