Occupational Safety with Artificial Intelligence

Workers in dangerous environments and dangerous tasks must be more focused to prevent injuries and fatalities. This is not solely in the hands of the individual. It must also be maintained at maximum levels. Employers can use various strategies, such as providing information and training about workplace hazards, implementing comprehensive safety programs, and utilizing personal protective equipment (PPE), to protect their employees. The use of artificial intelligence in occupational health and safety can be identified as a new strategic step that can be integrated into all these measures.

The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Occupational Health and Safety

Human error is still a leading cause of workplace accidents. This is where artificial intelligence can assist. With its ability to process and analyze data quickly, AI can detect potential risks or hazards that may be overlooked by humans.

AI Applications in Occupational Health and Safety

Every new day brings new applications related to work processes and safety, apart from the examples we will provide below. Here are our examples;

Computer Vision for Monitoring and Surveillance

One of the most promising applications of artificial intelligence in workplace safety is computer vision technology. This technology can be used to monitor employee behaviors, identify potential hazards, and provide real-time alerts. For example, thermal cameras can be used to detect heat stress in workers. With this technology, employers can monitor employees' temperatures in real-time and provide necessary assistance, such as cooling breaks or the provision of appropriate PPE.

Machine Learning for Hazard Identification

Machine learning can be used to identify patterns in data that humans may not detect. This technology can help develop predictive models that can identify potential hazards before they arise. For instance, machine learning algorithms can be used to predict when a worker is likely to sustain an injury at the workplace. Machine learning can analyze factors such as job title, age, or experience. It can help identify patterns in injury data and trigger alerts when a potential hazard is detected.

Virtual Reality for Employee Training

Virtual reality (VR) can be used to provide realistic training simulations for employees. This technology can show safety managers and even human resources how to check vital signs. It can be used to teach how to operate equipment safely, respond to emergencies, and improve employee safety performance. For example, Boeing developed a VR training program that allows employees to experience various emergency scenarios, such as engine failure or cabin pressure loss. This program helped reduce training time by up to 50%.

Augmented Reality for Inspection and Maintenance

Augmented reality (AR) can be used to provide employees with instructions and guidance for conducting inspections and repairs. With this technology, employees can receive real-time information about the equipment they are working on, including part numbers, sizes, and specifications.

Drones on Construction Sites

Drones are becoming increasingly popular in the construction industry due to their ability to quickly and easily assess safety risks. Safety managers can use drones equipped with cameras and sensors to monitor construction sites remotely. They can identify potential hazards, such as loose scaffolding or exposed electrical wires. This information can be used to improve site safety plans and ensure compliance with safety protocols by workers. Drones can also be used to inspect construction equipment and ensure maintenance is properly conducted and precautions are followed.

Speech Recognition for Reporting Accidents

Speech recognition technology, supported by natural language processing, can assist employees in reporting accidents and injuries. With this technology, employees can speak into a microphone to report an accident. Speech recognition software will then automatically record the details of the accident.

Sending Alerts to Employees' Phones

Employees can receive security alerts on their phones to help them stay informed about potential hazards. These alerts can be sent as text messages, emails, or push notifications. Alerts can also be used to remind employees of PPE checks or to take breaks to avoid dehydration.

Implementing a Safety Management System

A safety management system is a comprehensive approach to enhancing workplace safety. It includes policies, procedures, and processes for identifying, assessing, and controlling risks.

Data Collection and Insights with Artificial Intelligence

The computational power of artificial intelligence can be utilized to collect data and generate significant improvements in occupational health and safety. For instance, AI can be used to track employees' working hours, break times, and task history. This information can help identify patterns that may indicate issues such as fatigue or overwork. AI can also be used to monitor hazardous materials and report leaks or spills. By using AI to collect and analyze data, managers can quickly identify risks, assess potentially hazardous situations, and take necessary steps to mitigate them.

The use of artificial intelligence in occupational health and safety will be a topic of much discussion in the future. We are here to support you in OHS training, consultancy, and expert provision.