Top Five Safety Use Cases Of AI – Speaker Insights From Nilay Gami

Top Five Safety Use Cases Of AI – Speaker Insights From Nilay Gami

Artificial intelligence is disrupting many aspects of safety management – but it is not always an easy road. Safety leaders are grappling with which systems to use, what use cases are applicable and how to implement AI in the workplace. This is a key theme we will be exploring at the upcoming EHS Summit North America, happening in Atlanta, Georgia on the 6^th and 7^th of November 2024.

Ahead of the event, Verdantix gathered insights from one of the speakers at the summit, Nilay Gami, Director Environment, Health and Safety at California State University (Cal Poly), to provide a sneak peek at the kind of expertise to expect in Atlanta. Nilay will be participating in a panel on "The Power of Artificial Intelligence to Improve Environment, Health and Safety Performance” at the event. Here are his top five safety use cases of AI.

1. An invisible safety net.
AI can automatically detect hazards to keep your workplace safe, ensuring peace of mind. Imagine walking through the factory floor. In the background, an AI support system with strategically placed cameras observes discreetly. It monitors for safety hazards, like a forklift speeding too close or an employee without safety equipment. The AI can then trigger various interventions, such as automatically slowing down the forklift or reminding workers to wear their gear – keeping the workplace safe without intruding on your privacy. Additionally, the AI anonymously collects data on near-miss incidents to develop heat maps and identify high-risk areas. By analysing these trends, the EHS department can take targeted steps to improve safety for everyone.

2. Streamlined incident reporting.
Reporting an incident can be a hassle for workers. But with the implementation of AI, the system can become a partner; taking dictation from reporting workers and eliminating the need for lengthy written reports. AI also helps categorize incident details swiftly, ensuring vital information is captured for future analysis. This streamlined process empowers employees to report incidents quickly and easily, leading to better prevention measures. If a machine malfunctions and causes an incident, an AI system doesn't stop at just recording it. It delves deeper by analysing historical data on similar incidents, reviewing equipment manuals for known issues, and even checking for external recalls. Decision-makers benefit when the root causes are identified and addressed by the EHS department, preventing similar incidents in the future. This application of AI helps firms connect the dots and implement safeguards to keep their workers safe.

3. Predictive insights for proactive risk management.
AI isn't just reactive; it anticipates. When conditions resemble past near-misses, AI can flag them to prompt interventions before an incident occurs. For example: imagine you're tasked with placing an item on a high shelf. AI, recognizing past falls from reaching high shelves, proactively sends a notification to your device reminding you of the fall hazard and the need for proper protective equipment, while also indicating the designated ladder's location so you can find it easily and complete the task safely. Safety is proactively prioritized, and employees are part of the decision-making process. AI prompts ensure that workers have the knowledge and resources to work safely, along with empowering supervisors to create a safer work environment.

4. Automated compliance updates.
Regulations are constantly changing, but AI can help to ensure your firm doesn’t fall behind. AI can track updates to safety regulations and alert EHS managers proactively, meaning decision-makers have the required updates at their fingertips, ensuring effortless compliance. It's like having a voice in your ear to keep you informed about the latest rules, without overwhelming amounts of compliance language and details.

5. Personalized and engaging training.
AI tailors safety training to an organization’s specific needs. By considering an individual’s role, the processes they work with, and even video analysis of their work techniques, AI can recommend relevant training modules. Whether it's fire safety or proper ergonomics – developed from posture analysis – workers can receive personalized guidance that directly addresses their safety needs. It's like having a patient mentor who adapts to your learning pace – responsive while ensuring that learning isn’t boring. AI-powered safety quizzes and challenges make safety training engaging. For example, workers can earn points for completing modules and mastering skills, transforming safety awareness into a fun and interactive experience. This allows individuals to feel that they’re not just learning, but actively participating in creating a safer workplace for everyone.