Skip to main content

Can AI Replace Occupational Health and Safety Professionals?

 

Can AI Replace Occupational Health and Safety Professionals?



The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming numerous industries, and occupational health and safety (OHS) is no exception. From automating tasks to improving risk assessments and providing real-time worker safety monitoring, AI is making its presence felt in the workplace. This naturally leads to the question: will AI eventually replace OHS professionals?

To address this question, it's crucial to first understand the fundamental roles and responsibilities of these professionals. Occupational health and safety encompasses a range of professions, including physicians, nurses, industrial hygienists, and safety professionals1. These individuals share a common goal: to identify and evaluate workplace hazards, develop and implement safety programs, and ensure workers receive proper training in safety procedures2. They are also instrumental in investigating accidents and incidents, and in fostering a culture of safety within organizations1. This requires a diverse skillset, including knowledge of laws and regulations, public safety and security, and engineering and technology principles3.

The Role of AI in Occupational Health and Safety

AI is already being utilized in various ways to enhance workplace safety. AI-powered sensors can monitor worker safety in real-time, detecting if a worker is not wearing proper safety equipment or entering a hazardous area4. Moreover, AI can analyze extensive safety datasets to identify patterns and trends, aiding in the prediction and prevention of accidents4. It's important to remember that AI is not intended to replace humans but rather to augment their capabilities, allowing OHS professionals to perform their duties more effectively4.

Here's a closer look at how AI is being applied in OHS:


Application

Description

Benefits

Predictive Analytics for Risk Assessment

AI analyzes large safety datasets, identifying patterns and predicting potential hazards.

Enables proactive accident prevention by addressing risks before incidents occur.

Behavior Recognition and Intervention

AI can detect when workers do not follow safety protocols.

Offers cost-effective learning opportunities in safety and health. Facilitates speech recognition and incident reporting.

Efficient Incident Response

AI systems can recognize still images, situations, and objects related to safety incidents.

Aids in timely and effective response to emergencies.

Health Risk Assessments

AI can analyze large datasets to identify patterns and predict potential health risks among workers.

Allows for early intervention and prevention strategies.

Disability Duration Prediction

AI can estimate how long an injured worker may be out of work based on medical history, job demands, and recovery trends.

Helps employers and healthcare professionals create better rehabilitation plans.

Return-to-Work Forecasting

By assessing multiple variables, AI can predict when an injured or ill worker is likely to resume duties.

Aids workforce planning and employee support.

Automation in Safety Occupations

AI and automation are reshaping safety occupations by enhancing traditional processes. AI systems can actively monitor environments, swiftly identify potential hazards like gas leaks or faulty equipment, and provide real-time alerts. Autonomous robots are deployed to execute perilous tasks, minimizing human exposure to risks.

Improves overall safety measures by automating hazardous tasks and providing real-time alerts.

Safety Technology Integration and AI

The fusion of safety technology and AI has birthed groundbreaking solutions for workplace safety. Wearable devices—embedded with AI algorithms—monitor vital signs, detecting fatigue or stress to avert accidents rooted in human error. AI-driven software analyzes historical safety data, revealing patterns and recommending protocol enhancements.

Fosters a proactive stance in risk mitigation and safety improvement.

AI-Powered Risk Assessment

AI-powered risk assessment tools enable proactive risk identification and mitigation in industries, leveraging historical safety data and analyzing work environment infrastructures.

Reduces accidents by pinpointing high-risk areas and implementing preventive measures.

AI-Integrated Smart Personal Protective Equipment

By combining AI technologies with smart PPE, it actively monitors and adapts to changing environmental conditions, detecting hazards, assessing air quality, and providing real-time alerts.

Enhances communication and fosters a proactive approach to occupational safety.

Workplace Violence Monitoring

AI can play an important role in preventing workplace violence.

Improves workplace safety by identifying and mitigating potential threats.

AI in Drug and Alcohol Screening Programs

AI can contribute to more efficient and accurate drug and alcohol screening processes in the workplace.

Ensures compliance with safety regulations and promotes a substance-free work environment.

AI-driven tools for monitoring and addressing mental health issues in the workplace

This can be done using remote health monitoring systems by tracking vital signs and health metrics and providing real-time information to healthcare professionals for early detection of health issues.

Improves worker well-being by facilitating early detection and intervention for mental health concerns.

AI-driven exoskeletons

The utilization of exoskeletons, wearable robotic suits designed to enhance the dynamics of limbs and joints, has emerged as a means to boost productivity and protect worker well-being.

Reduces the risk of injuries to the back and shoulders by providing support to workers.

Smart boots

Smart boots are equipped with sensors and AI algorithms that continuously monitor the wearer's surroundings, detect unsafe conditions, and provide real-time alerts or interventions to prevent accidents.

Offers a proactive approach to mitigating risks by detecting hazards and providing real-time alerts.

Smart helmets

Smart helmets are equipped with a suite of sensors including global positioning system (GPS), an RFID (radio frequency identification) sensor, an ultra-wideband (UWB) sensor, and an around-view monitor (AVM). These sensors collectively monitor the location of workers, their activities, the surrounding environment, and personal health.

Improves worker safety by monitoring various factors and providing real-time alerts.

Benefits and Limitations of Using AI in Occupational Health and Safety

The integration of AI in OHS offers numerous advantages:

  • Enhanced Risk Assessment and Prevention: AI can analyze vast datasets to identify patterns and predict potential hazards, enabling proactive risk mitigation9.

  • Improved Real-Time Monitoring and Response: AI-powered systems can monitor work environments, identify safety breaches, and provide real-time alerts, facilitating immediate intervention9.

  • Improved Training with Virtual Reality: AI-powered simulations and virtual reality environments offer realistic and interactive training experiences, enhancing learning retention and readiness9.

  • Reduce Workplace Accidents and Injuries: By identifying and mitigating risks, AI contributes to a safer work environment and reduces accidents and injuries4.

  • Improve Worker Health: AI can monitor worker health, identify potential health risks, and provide early interventions7.

  • Increase Productivity: By automating tasks and improving safety, AI can boost worker productivity7.

  • Predicting Machinery Breakdowns: AI can analyze sensor data on machines to identify abnormal patterns that may indicate a potential fault, allowing for preventative maintenance and reducing the risk of accidents7.

  • Optimizing Building Systems: AI can optimize smart building systems to enhance energy efficiency while maintaining optimal conditions for employee comfort. This includes intelligent climate control, lighting, and resource management10.

However, it's essential to acknowledge the limitations of AI in OHS:

  • Privacy and Ethical Concerns: The use of AI in OHS raises concerns about worker privacy and the potential for bias in AI algorithms9.

  • Potential for Malfunctions: AI systems can malfunction, potentially leading to serious consequences for worker safety9.

  • The Need for Human Oversight: AI systems cannot replace the need for human oversight in OHS9.

  • Negative Impact on Worker Mental Health: Integrating AI in health and safety could negatively impact workers' mental health, including anxiety and stress related to job automation or the potential for AI errors to lead to accidents11.

  • Limited Adoption: Currently, the adoption of AI in OHS is still limited12.

  • High Initial Costs: Implementing AI-powered systems can be expensive13.

  • Cyber Vulnerabilities: AI systems can be vulnerable to cyberattacks13.

Current State of AI Adoption in Occupational Health and Safety

Despite the potential benefits, AI adoption in OHS remains relatively low. A recent Gallup survey revealed that only 6% of U.S. employees reported AI-related safety enhancements at their organizations12. This suggests that many organizations are still in the early stages of exploring and implementing AI in OHS. While AI can improve job quality, it also comes with risks that need to be carefully considered14.

However, there are indications of increasing AI adoption. AI-driven simulations are enhancing training protocols, and AI-powered robots are being used to perform hazardous tasks15. In the healthcare sector, AI algorithms are being used for lung image processing, leading to more accurate diagnoses of lung conditions16. As AI technology advances and becomes more affordable, adoption is likely to continue to grow15.

Expert Opinions on the Future of AI in Occupational Health and Safety

Experts believe that AI has the potential to revolutionize OHS. AI-driven technologies offer predictive insights, real-time monitoring, and risk mitigation strategies that can minimize accidents and hazards8. This synergy between OHS and AI marks a pivotal moment in the quest for safer, healthier, and more sustainable workplaces.

However, experts also caution that AI is not a silver bullet. It is important to address the ethical and privacy issues associated with AI implementation, and to ensure that AI systems are used responsibly and effectively9. One expert suggests that AI is unlikely to threaten OHS professionals in the near future because their work increasingly involves fostering strong safety cultures, which requires human interaction and judgment17.

Looking further ahead, AI could potentially take on more complex tasks, such as manipulating robot-mounted cameras to investigate confined spaces and then writing risk assessments17. However, this level of AI sophistication is still some way off.

Can AI Replace OHS Professionals?

Based on the available information, it is unlikely that AI will completely replace OHS professionals in the near future. While AI can automate many tasks and improve safety outcomes, it cannot replace the need for human expertise, judgment, and empathy. OHS professionals play a critical role in understanding the complexities of the workplace, building relationships with workers, and promoting a culture of safety. As one expert noted, AI is unlikely to threaten OHS professionals in the near future because their work increasingly involves fostering strong safety cultures, which requires human interaction and judgment17.

However, AI will undoubtedly change the role of OHS professionals. As AI becomes more sophisticated, OHS professionals will need to adapt and develop new skills to work effectively with AI-powered systems. They will need to become experts in data analysis, AI ethics, and human-computer interaction.

In the future, OHS professionals are likely to work in partnership with AI systems, using AI to enhance their capabilities and improve safety outcomes. This will require a shift in focus from reactive to proactive safety management, and a greater emphasis on data-driven decision-making.

Conclusion

AI has the potential to significantly improve workplace safety and health. However, it is important to approach AI implementation with a balanced perspective, considering both the benefits and limitations. While AI can automate tasks, improve risk assessments, and monitor worker safety in real-time, it cannot replace the need for human expertise and judgment.

OHS professionals will need to adapt and develop new skills to work effectively with AI-powered systems. By embracing AI and using it responsibly, OHS professionals can enhance their capabilities and create safer, healthier, and more productive workplaces. The future of OHS lies in a collaborative approach where humans and AI work together to achieve optimal safety outcomes. OHS professionals should proactively seek training and development opportunities to stay ahead of the curve and ensure they are well-equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of workplace safety in the age of AI.

References

1. Occupational Safety and Health Professionals - Safe Work in the 21st Century - NCBI, accessed on March 1, 2025, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK225528/

2. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians - Bureau of Labor Statistics, accessed on March 1, 2025, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-health-and-safety-specialists-and-technicians.htm

3. Occupational Health & Safety Specialists - Workforce Solutions, accessed on March 1, 2025, https://www.wrksolutions.com/for-individuals/career-exploration/occupational-health-and-safety-specialists

4. The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Occupational Safety and Health Practices (OSH) - University of South Florida, accessed on March 1, 2025, https://www.usf.edu/health/public-health/news/2024/ai-in-osh-practices.aspx

5. AI in Occupational Medicine: Revolutionizing Workplace Health and Safety, accessed on March 1, 2025, https://www.naspweb.com/blog/ai-in-occupational-medicine-revolutionizing-workplace-health-and-safety/

6. Acquiring Workplace Safety in the Data Age Via AI Innovations, accessed on March 1, 2025, https://ohsonline.com/articles/2024/02/16/acquiring-workplace-safety-in-the-data-age-via-ai-innovations.aspx

7. Artificial Intelligence and Occupational Health and Safety, Benefits and Drawbacks - CIIP-Consulta, accessed on March 1, 2025, https://www.ciip-consulta.it/images/Intelligenza_Artificiale/El-Helaly_AI_and_OSH_MDL_x.pdf

8. Artificial intelligence in advancing occupational health and safety: an encapsulation of developments - Oxford Academic, accessed on March 1, 2025, https://academic.oup.com/joh/article/66/1/uiad017/7505756

9. AI in Health and Safety: What Are the Benefits and Drawbacks?, accessed on March 1, 2025, https://ohsonline.com/Articles/2024/12/03/AI-in-Health-and-Safety-What-Are-the-Benefits-and-Drawbacks.aspx

10. (PDF) Artificial Intelligence and Occupational Health and Safety, Benefits and Drawbacks, accessed on March 1, 2025, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380205965_Artificial_Intelligence_and_Occupational_Health_and_Safety_Benefits_and_Drawbacks

11. Artificial Intelligence and Occupational Health and Safety, Benefits and Drawbacks - PMC, accessed on March 1, 2025, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11181216/

12. AI's Impact on Workplace Safety Remains Limited, Survey Says, accessed on March 1, 2025, https://ohsonline.com/Articles/2024/10/21/AIs-Impact-on-Workplace-Safety-Remains-Limited-Survey-Says.aspx?admgarea=news

13. Artificial intelligence and workplace safety: A new era for the energy and utilities sector, accessed on March 1, 2025, https://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/insights/ai-workplace-safety

14. Ensuring trustworthy artificial intelligence in the workplace: Countries' policy action - OECD, accessed on March 1, 2025, https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/oecd-employment-outlook-2023_08785bba-en/full-report/ensuring-trustworthy-artificial-intelligence-in-the-workplace-countries-policy-action_c01b9e49.html

15. The advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) across high-risk industries - ResearchGate, accessed on March 1, 2025, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/384401082_The_advancement_of_Artificial_Intelligence_AI_in_Occupational_Health_and_Safety_OHS_across_high-risk_industries

16. Artificial intelligence in advancing occupational health and safety: an encapsulation of developments - PMC - PubMed Central, accessed on March 1, 2025, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10878366/

17. The Impact of AI on the Future of Health & Safety - Houston, accessed on March 1, 2025, https://houston.co.uk/news/the-impact-of-ai-on-the-future-of-health-safety/

Popular posts from this blog

Health and Safety Reporting Requirements in CSRD (ESG)

I have done a bit of a deep dive into H&S reporting in ESG under the Corporate Social Responsibility Directive . I wanted to share my observations. You have to jump through the standard a little bit to find all the relevant information, but I have gathered everything for you here and share some thoughts. ESRS S1 Own Workforce reporting standard  Disclosure Requirement – Health and safety indicators.  Where applicable they have to be broken down between employees and non-employees Non-Employees refer to contractors in the context of these requirements. (a) the percentage of own workers who are covered by the undertaking’s health and safety management system based on legal requirements and/or recognised standards or guidelines; (b) the number of fatalities as a result of work-related injuries and work-related ill health; (c) the number and rate of recordable work-related accidents; (d) the number of cases of recordable work-related ill health; and (e) the number of days ...
Read more

H&S pro to H&S pro

  Advice and Guidance Among Health and Safety Professionals The health and safety profession operates within a constantly evolving landscape, characterized by new regulations, technological advancements, and persistent workplace hazards. To navigate this dynamic environment effectively, health and safety professionals frequently rely on the collective wisdom and shared experiences of their peers. This report explores the various platforms and resources where health and safety professionals exchange advice and guidance, highlighting the key themes and insights that emerge from these interactions. The analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview of how professionals in this field support each other's development and contribute to the overall advancement of workplace safety. Forums and Networks for Health and Safety Professionals: Platforms for Direct Interaction and Shared Experiences Direct interaction and the sharing of experiences are vital for health and safety profession...
Read more

The Cost of Workplace Accidents (from fatality to first aid). A Global Perspective.

  The Cost of Workplace Accidents: A Global Perspective Workplace accidents inflict a substantial financial strain on organizations across the globe. These incidents generate expenses that reach far beyond immediate medical costs and workers' compensation, encompassing a wide array of direct and indirect costs that can severely affect an organization's profitability. This report offers a comprehensive analysis of the costs associated with various types of workplace accidents, ranging from fatalities to minor injuries requiring first aid, across different countries and industries. Direct Costs of Workplace Accidents Direct costs are expenses directly linked to an accident and are typically covered by workers' compensation insurance 1 . These costs can include: Medical expenses: This encompasses the cost of emergency medical care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment for workplace injuries 2 . Workers' compensation payments: These are financia...
Read more