How AI could help make the workplace safer part three

(Note: This is the third in a three-part series on the use of artificial intelligence tools in the workplace. The first part is here and the second part is here)

Whether we call it machine learning or artificial intelligence, there are tools in the workplace now that can use video evidence and other tools to identify and flag a wide array of hazards in real-time, including wet floors, exposed wires, hairline cracks in machinery parts, or equipment left in dangerous positions. Its precision allows it to detect minute irregularities that might be imperceptible to the human eye. These kinds of tools can also verify the integrity and correct positioning of safety barriers, guardrails, or railings in the workplace, and ensure that workers maintain safe distances from operating machinery or hazardous equipment, and that all essential safety signs are correctly placed and clearly visible.

Some companies are using AI systems to do object detection and predictive analytics relating to workplace safety, including preventing collisions between pedestrians and heavy equipment such as forklifts. A properly trained AI system can recognize when a pedestrian enters a high-risk zone, automatically trigger warning signals for forklift operators, and even intelligently slow down forklifts in areas with high pedestrian traffic. Advanced AI systems can monitor workers’ movements to detect falls in real-time, sophisticated enough to differentiate between a worker rapidly descending a ladder and an actual fall. And some systems can identify when workers in isolated or high-risk zones are alone, enabling prompt assistance if an incident occurs, or monitor for unsafe work practices and deviations from established safety protocols.

AI’s proactive capabilities, driven by predictive analytics and real-time monitoring, can reduce the prevalence of workplace accidents and injuries, thereby enhancing overall safety. Research indicates that real-time safety indicator systems powered by AI can reduce workplace accidents by as much as 30%. The capacity to foresee and prevent accidents before they materialize directly translates into fewer injuries for employees and a corresponding reduction in workers’ compensation claims. AI integration also decreases operational downtime and mitigates the substantial costs historically associated with workplace injuries. Fewer workplace injuries directly translate into reduced absenteeism and lower workers’ compensation claims, yielding significant financial benefits. One estimate suggests that even a 10% reduction in workplace injuries could save US employers as much as $17 billion annually.

The bottom line for employers 

There’s no question that AI is fundamentally transforming workplace safety with enhanced risk assessment, real-time monitoring, and predictive maintenance, and this offers unprecedented capabilities for identifying and mitigating hazards before they escalate.The benefits derived from AI integration are substantial, including a significant reduction in accidents and injuries, marked improvements in operational efficiency and productivity, and tangible long-term cost savings. Incident reporting and analysis can be time-consuming tasks that are subject to human error. AI can streamline this process by automating the collection, analysis, and reporting of workplace incidents. AI systems can quickly process accident reports, extract key details, and identify trends that might not be immediately apparent to human analysts. This automation could not only reduce administrative burdens but also lead to more informed decision-making.

However, navigating this transformative landscape necessitates a balanced and responsible approach. Critical challenges such as safeguarding employee privacy against extensive surveillance, mitigating the risks of algorithmic bias, ensuring robust human oversight, and managing the profound impact on workforce roles demand careful consideration. One of the most significant legal risks associated with AI in workplace safety is determining liability when AI systems are involved in safety-related decisions. If an AI system fails to identify a hazard, makes an incorrect prediction, or generates inaccurate recommendations, the consequences could be severe – including accidents, injuries, or fatalities. This raises important questions about accountability and liability.

Who is responsible if an AI system overlooks a hazard that leads to an accident? Is the responsibility with the AI developers, the organization implementing the system, or the safety professionals who rely on it? Or all of the above? Given that AI systems operate autonomously to some degree, establishing clear lines of accountability is challenging. You should work with legal counsel to define the responsibilities and risks associated with AI implementation, since this is a rapidly developing field. Legal experts in this area advise you to ensure that you have the right indemnification clauses in your agreements, and watch out for narrow limitation of liability clauses that impact your ability to seek recompense from AI vendors.

Interested in learning more about what a WCB employer representative can do for your group? You can connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, or Linkedin. Or you can reach us via email at [email protected], or you can contact us directly, during business hours, using our chat feature or by telephone at 1-844-377-9545.