AI in health and safety: Where does it fit?
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Posted: Fri 28th Mar 2025
5 min read
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising many industries, but its role in workplace health and safety is only just beginning to gain attention.
While businesses have long relied on manual risk assessments and reactive safety measures, AI presents an opportunity to take a more predictive, proactive approach to keeping workers safe.
So, how is AI shaping the future of health and safety and what should businesses be aware of?
Predicting hazards before they happen
Traditional risk assessments rely on human observation and historical data, but AI can analyse vast amounts of information in real-time to identify emerging risks. Machine learning algorithms can detect patterns in accident reports, near-miss data and environmental factors to highlight potential dangers before they lead to incidents.
For example, some AI-driven platforms can assess workplace injury reports and suggest targeted interventions to reduce specific risks, such as repetitive strain injuries or common trip hazards. This predictive capability allows businesses to shift from a reactive approach to a more proactive one.
Wearable safety technology: Smart PPE in action
Wearable technology is an area where AI is making significant strides. Smart helmets, exoskeletons, and biometric monitoring devices can track workers' fatigue levels, posture and exposure to hazardous conditions.
For instance, some wearables can alert workers and managers if someone is overheating, suffering from exhaustion, or showing early signs of musculoskeletal strain. By providing real-time feedback, these devices can help prevent injuries before they occur.
Beyond individual wearables, AI-driven workforce monitoring platforms can aggregate data from multiple employees to provide insights on broader workplace risks. If data indicates that multiple workers are experiencing fatigue or strain in specific tasks, businesses can adjust work processes, implement additional training or redesign workstations to improve ergonomics.
Real-time hazard detection
AI-driven video surveillance is being used to monitor high-risk environments, such as construction sites and warehouses, to detect unsafe behaviours or potential hazards. These systems can analyse live CCTV footage and recognise unsafe actions, such as workers failing to wear PPE or entering restricted zones.
While this technology can enhance workplace safety, it also raises important questions about privacy, ethical considerations and how businesses should implement AI-driven monitoring in a way that respects workers’ rights.
Ethical considerations and data privacy
Monitoring employees using AI-powered cameras or biometric wearables introduces concerns about surveillance, data security and GDPR compliance.
Employers need to strike a balance between using AI to improve safety and ensuring that workers feel comfortable and protected. Transparency about how AI is being used, what data is being collected and how it is safeguarded is essential.
It is also important to ensure that AI-driven safety systems are designed with fairness in mind. Biases in AI algorithms could lead to disproportionate monitoring of certain employees or job roles. Businesses should work closely with AI providers to ensure ethical AI usage that benefits all workers equally.
Training and workforce adaptation
Implementing AI-driven health and safety solutions requires a workforce that is prepared to use and interact with these technologies effectively. Businesses should invest in training programmes to help workers and managers understand AI systems, interpret safety insights and respond to automated alerts appropriately.
What this means for businesses
While AI has the potential to transform workplace safety, its adoption is still in the early stages for many industries. Businesses looking to explore AI-driven safety solutions should start by:
Understanding what AI-powered tools are available and relevant to their industry
Reviewing the ethical and legal implications of using AI in the workplace
Engaging with employees to ensure that new technologies support, rather than hinder, their well-being
As AI continues to evolve, its role in workplace health and safety will likely grow, offering new ways to prevent accidents, improve risk management, and create safer working environments.
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