Workplace Safety - The Rise (and Risk) of AI.

Technology is playing an increasingly prominent role in the rapidly evolving landscape of workplace safety. With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), we are seeing a significant increase in companies and safety professionals harnessing its potential to write policies and procedures, streamline processes, predict risks, and enhance overall safety measures.

While this technological advancement is promising, as you can see from the picture above, it has a long way to go. We asked a couple of popular AI tools to generate an image to represent the connection between workplace safety and 'humans.' While all pictures had spelling mistakes, many depicted 'poor' or non-compliant safety practices. This was the best of a bad bunch. It was even more concerning when we asked the AI tools to develop compliant safety policies and procedures. At face value, they looked okay; however, because we knew what to look for, we soon identified inconsistencies and incorrect information that exposed the company and their people to risk.

Regardless, AI is here to stay, and there is no doubt it can help; however, ensuring that the AI solutions being developed are compliant, fit for purpose, and, most importantly, human-centred so they resonate and engage with your people is crucial.

The Human Element in Safety

Despite AI's sophistication, we must never forget that we are working with people (not robots or AI Bots), and our people are human beings. Each individual is unique, with a brain that is hardwired differently from everyone else. This diversity in cognitive wiring means that our perception of risk, our biases, and our responses to various situations can vary significantly. This uniqueness necessitates a human-centred approach to workplace safety, which AI cannot provide.

Embracing Human Complexity

The human brain is an extraordinary organ, capable of remarkable feats of understanding and problem-solving. However, it also has its limitations. For example, our brains can become overwhelmed with too much information, struggle with maintaining focus for prolonged periods, and are prone to cognitive biases that can affect decision-making. Effective safety systems and processes must work with these limitations, not against them.

AI and Human-Centred Safety

As AI becomes more integrated into workplace safety, these systems must be designed with a deep understanding of human psychology and neuroscience. If you are using AI solutions, they must be tailored to resonate with and engage employees, recognising their individual wants, needs, and drivers. This means creating intuitive and easy-to-use interfaces, providing information clearly and concisely, and offering support that is empathetic and responsive to human emotions.

The Importance of Compliance and Fit for Purpose

In addition to being human-centred, AI solutions must be compliant with regulatory standards and fit for the specific purposes they are intended to serve. This ensures not only legal adherence but also the practical effectiveness of these tools in real-world scenarios. Safety systems that do not account for human factors or fail to meet compliance standards can lead to serious consequences, undermining the very goals they are meant to achieve.

Conclusion

Workplace safety doesn't need to be complicated, but it must be human-centred. By recognising the human brain's complexity and limitations and ensuring that AI solutions are compliant, fit for purpose, and tailored to human needs, we can create safer, more engaging workplaces. As we continue to innovate and integrate AI into our safety protocols, let's ensure that we do so with a steadfast commitment to the well-being of our people. After all, safety is about protecting human lives, and that mission must always be at the heart of our efforts.

How Insync Can Help

At Insync, we bring extensive experience in safety across diverse industries. Our Founder and Chief Enabling Officer has been dedicated to safety for over 21 years, including invaluable experience as an inspector with Workcover NSW (now Safework). We've collaborated with organisations of all sizes, from small businesses to global corporations, in the public and private sectors.

Our practical, integrated, human-centred approach, built on our extensive knowledge and research in psychology, neuroscience, and human behaviour, not only helps ensure compliance but also makes safety relevant and straightforward for companies and their employees. By focusing on your people's unique needs and leveraging our deep expertise, we help you create high-performing, inclusive, physically and psychologically safer and more engaged workplaces where everyone can be their authentic selves at work. Feel valued, have a sense of purpose and belonging, thrive and go home safe, well and fulfilled each day.

If you are looking to partner with a purpose-led, human-centred organisation to increase employee engagement and improve workplace health and safety, reach out to the team at [email protected] or visit our website to learn how we can support your journey towards a human-centred safety culture.