Workplace Health & Safety Show shines the spotlight on AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising the way we work, thanks to its ability to perform a wide variety of tasks and process large quantities of data, fast. According to Helene Seidel-Sterzik, CEO and co-owner of ecoPortal, AI is not only enhancing workplace efficiency – it could make workplaces safer and happier. “AI, put to good use, will foster a culture of continuous improvement in safety practices and employee wellbeing, supporting safer, healthier workplaces,” she says.

ecoPortal is sponsoring the Knowledge Hub – a two-day education program that’s part of the Workplace Health & Safety Show (Sydney, 23-24 October 2024) and provides insights and practical knowledge to champion safety initiatives at workplaces. Led by industry experts, the program discussions relate to cutting-edge technology like AI, as well as worker wellbeing, injury prevention and safety performance evaluation.

From the use of AI-powered drones in construction sites to monitor and survey potentially dangerous building zones, to the implementation of wearables like watches that collect critical data and the use of data analytics software to predict risks, or language processing systems that can identify potential warning signs of mental health risks, AI-enabled solutions offer a host of benefits.

Enabling early detection and intervention 

AI-powered monitoring systems can contribute significantly to the early detection and prevention of workplace hazards by continuously and automatically analysing data to identify patterns and trends that may indicate potential risks. This may be an analysis of environmental conditions such as air quality or noise levels, employee movements or situations that may be unsafe.

“The ability to generate automated alerts and notifications when hazards are detected is essential for timely intervention. Integrating AI algorithms that can predict potential hazards based on historical data and contextual information can further enhance the system’s ability to prevent incidents before they occur,” says Helene.

While there are risks associated with these systems, including inbuilt biases and identification learning curves, these can be addressed through testing, the use of diverse data sets and reworking. “Best practice will generally also involve some form of human oversight,” adds Helene.

She points to the ecoPortal software platform, which features AI tech integrations that drive efficiencies in data capture and processing. A customer that uses CCTV in their cross dock to monitor their team’s safety can use an AI integration supported by ecoPortal to automatically monitor and detect “near-miss”-type events based on the proximity of people to danger, most notably with forklifts and trucks. “Captured incidents are then triaged by an administrator for health and safety compliance. With the click of a button, the administrator can create an ecoPortal report for incidents that cross the threshold, attaching key information. It can then be investigated and subject to corrective action and/or training as a result.”

By using AI to monitor deviations from expected safety practices and then integrating those findings seamlessly and quickly, businesses can identify multiple previously unseen operational risks. They can then implement physical and behavioural controls to reduce those risks, as well as gather data to support the business case for improved controls at an operator level.

Enhancing engagement with safety culture

Aside from the ability to predict and prevent risks, AI technology also has the power to significantly enhance worker engagement with workplace safety culture by providing personalised, automatic safety recommendations and feedback. AI-driven safety apps, for example, can deliver tailored safety tips based on individual roles and work environments, encouraging employees to actively participate in safety initiatives. “In addition, AI can analyse employee feedback and sentiment to identify areas for improvement in safety practices and communication,” explains Helene.

It’s also worth noting that AI-enabled tools give safety leaders more time to build relationships with their team and enhance engagement further.

Four key considerations for AI integration  

Helene outlines the major considerations for companies considering the use of AI in their health and safety programs and strategies. These include:

1. Consistently putting data privacy and security first, ensuring the sensitive information collected by AI systems stays safe within the boundaries of what it was collected for.
2. Ensuring that AI algorithms are transparent and accountable, with mechanisms in place to address biases or errors.
3. Providing adequate training to employees on how to interact with AI-powered tools and interpret their outputs accurately.
4. Regular evaluation and updating of AI systems—essential to maintain their effectiveness and adapt to changing workplace conditions.

It’s clear that AI is here to stay, shaping workplace safety and wellbeing by enabling proactive risk management, faster incident response and more personalised support for employees. “AI-driven predictive analytics will identify emerging risks before they escalate, allowing companies to implement preventive measures effectively, while AI-powered virtual assistants and chatbots will provide immediate support for mental health issues and facilitate access to resources and interventions,” says Helene.

Further unpacking the benefits of technology for safety

ecoPortal will be among the more than 160 exhibiting brands at Workplace Health & Safety Show (taking place from 23 to 24 October 2024 at the Sydney Showground), showcasing a wide range of solutions that address the safety and wellbeing challenges facing businesses.