Will Artificial Intelligence Improve Safety In The Workplace?
When I was starting my training to become a health and safety professional, technology was about to take a huge leap forward.
Within one year of working in H&S I was using a computer in the office instead of writing memos, within five years I was using a mobile phone instead of a pager to contact the office and within ten years the internet was available on a handheld device with the launch of 3G networks.
Today we may be at the beginning of another technology that is about to make another huge leap forward.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising various sectors by improving safety measures and reducing risks.
AI promises to offer innovative solutions to prevent accidents, ensure compliance, and create healthier work environments. Here’s some of my research into how AI is making a significant impact across various aspects of workplace safety.
Workplace Safety
AI is transforming workplace safety through several innovative applications such as Predictive Maintenance which can analyse data from machinery and equipment using AI-algorithms, and can predict failures before they occur, thus reducing the risk of accidents and unplanned downtime.
Safety Monitoring using AI-powered cameras and sensors can continuously monitor work environments for safety compliance, detecting unsafe behaviours or conditions in real-time. One area we are currently familiar with is vehicle safety monitoring which have been using AI-powered driver assistance systems for several years. These can enhance safety by monitoring driver behaviour, detecting fatigue, and provide warnings or interventions to prevent accidents. Half of all crashes on UK roads involve people driving for work and Arinite has produced a factsheet 0110 – Driving for Work, to help organisations manage this risk.
Robots are being adapted with AI technology to handle dangerous substances or undertake hazardous tasks thus minimising human exposure and eliminating risks. AI can also be used to continuously monitor environmental conditions, detecting toxic gases or other dangerous situations in industrial environments.
Healthcare
Another area which is being improved with significant contributions of AI is in healthcare and its role in medical monitoring, diagnosis and treatment. Machine learning algorithms are analysing vast amounts of information, enabling healthcare professionals to detect patterns and make accurate predictions.
AI-based monitoring systems have become important in improving patient care and safety through smart sensors and wearable devices, these are equipped with AI algorithms monitoring patient’s vital organs to detect any anomalies and provide early warnings of potential health issues.
Wearable Devices
The use of smart sensors in the healthcare sector is enabling the development of them for industrial applications. Wearable devices such as smart helmets, vests, motion detectors, bodycams and other wearables are being developed to track workers' vital signs and detect hazardous conditions like excessive heat, noise, fatigue, or exposure to harmful substances.
Regulatory Compliance
AI is also being developed to assist in conducting safety audits and inspections, ensuring that workplaces comply with safety regulations and standards. It will help manage and maintain safety records, making it easier to demonstrate compliance during regulatory reviews. Automated audits conducted by AI systems will ensure that no detail is overlooked, maintaining high safety standards.
Incident Analysis
AI is also being developed to streamline incident reporting by automatically collecting and analysing data, identifying root causes, and suggesting preventive measures. By analysing historical incident data, AI can identify trends and recurring issues, enabling proactive measures to address underlying safety concerns.
By integrating AI technologies into workplace safety programmes, organisations can create safer environments, reduce the likelihood of accidents, and ensure a quicker, more effective response to incidents.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the continuous advancements in AI promise to further enhance workplace safety, making it an indispensable tool in modern safety management. The HSE has issued a statement on the regulatory approach to the introduction of AI Technologies and while supportive that AI technologies will offer benefits for safety, wants industry to take a precautionary approach to their introduction.
Contact us
Arinite clients worldwide appreciate we provide practical, no-nonsense advice about what you need to do to establish and maintain a safe and healthy working environment.
Our team of health and safety consultants take pride in keeping health and safety simple.
If you need to call upon our expert assistance, or just for an informal chat, please call our office +44 207 947 9581, or type an enquiry to: https://www.arinite.com/contact-us/.
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