How AI can enhance workplace safety 

Current researches prove why safety should be top of mind. Time’s running out. Now is the time to embrace AI solutions that will boost your EHS operations! So let’s explore how AI can enhance workplace safety.

According to Oasis’s research, employee safety, and well-being have already become a priority for businesses by dethroning the goal of “attracting top talent”. With the evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) safety solutions, companies have a unique opportunity to improve workplace safety significantly. Yet, many organizations are still unaware of the latest developments in technology and EHS and are missing out on the benefits it can bring to their EHS (Environmental Health and Safety) management.

In this blog post, we will explore how AI can enhance workplace safety and why keeping up with the latest advancements in this field is crucial. Don’t let your organization fall behind the curve – read on to learn how AI computer vision can revolutionize workplace safety.

What are 4 technologies to improve workplace safety? 

Wearable Technology

Businesses can use wearable devices such as smart helmets, safety glasses, and vests to analyze workers’ vital signs, movements, and exposure to hazardous materials. These devices can notify frontline and EHS teams of potential safety hazards and prevent incidents.

What are the downsides of wearable devices for EHS?

• Privacy issues: Wearable devices collect sensitive data like personal health information, which can lead to privacy breaches. 
• Discomfort and inconvenience: Employees must wear these devices continuously, which can be uncomfortable and inconvenient during breaks or off-duty.
• Cost: Wearable technology can be expensive, limiting the number of employees who can use them, and creating inequality in EHS analysis.

Internet of Things (IoT) 

IoT sensors can be installed in workplaces to detect safety hazards such as a vehicle or equipment navigation and equipment malfunctions. These sensors can transmit real-time data to a centralized system and notify frontline and EHS teams of any safety issues.

What are the downsides of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies for EHS?

• Cybersecurity risks: IoT devices can be vulnerable to cyber attacks, which could lead to breaches of sensitive EHS data, or worse, disruptions in critical safety systems.
• Data overload: IoT technologies can generate a vast amount of data, which can be overwhelming and difficult to manage for EHS teams. This can lead to missing or overlooked important information, affecting workplace safety.
• Compatibility issues: IoT devices may not be compatible with existing workplace safety systems or equipment, leading to potential communication breakdowns or malfunctions.
• Cost: The cost of implementing IoT technologies can be high, making it difficult for some organizations to justify the investment in terms of their EHS goals.

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)

VR and AR technologies can provide frontline teams with immersive training simulations, helping them learn safety procedures and protocols. These technologies can also be used for safety inspections and AI-enabled risk assessments, allowing workers to identify and address safety hazards before incidents occur.

What are the downsides of VR and AR for EHS?

• Lack of realism: While VR can provide a highly immersive experience, the lack of realism can be a downside for EHS training. Simulations in VR may not accurately represent real-world scenarios, leading to a false sense of security and ineffective training.
• Motion sickness: VR experiences can cause motion sickness in some individuals, leading to discomfort, dizziness, and nausea. This can be especially problematic in EHS training scenarios where individuals need to maintain focus and concentration.
• Limited accessibility: VR technologies require specialized equipment, which can be expensive and difficult to access for some organizations. This can limit the reach of EHS training programs and make them inaccessible to certain individuals.
• Dependence on technology: VR technologies require hardware and software that can malfunction or become outdated, leading to technical issues and potentially hindering training effectiveness.
• Limited interactivity: While VR can provide a highly immersive experience, it can also limit interactivity and real-time communication, which are crucial in EHS training scenarios. This can make it difficult for trainees to ask questions, receive feedback, and collaborate effectively.

AI Computer Vision 

AI computer vision has the potential to improve workplace safety by using existing CCTV cameras within facilities and machine learning algorithms to identify and analyze potential safety hazards. This technology can be applied in various ways in the workplace to improve safety conditions.

How can organizations benefit from using AI computer vision in safety management?

Real-time detection and response: The technology can be used to analyze the environment and identify potential hazards, such as spills or debris on the floor, blocked emergency exits, or malfunctioning machinery. By detecting these hazards in real-time, EHS teams can take quick action to address the problem and prevent incidents from happening.

EHS leading indicator data: Enables accurate EHS leading indicator data collection for creating preventative measures by tracking and recording data on events, helping predict where similar incidents may occur, and finding patterns in concurrent data streams

Cost savings: By preventing injuries, AI computer vision can help reduce costs associated with workers’ compensation claims, equipment damage, and lost productivity due to incidents. Also, AI computer vision also saves you from new infrastructure or hardware investments by connecting to existing cameras.

Better safety training: Using AI computer vision technology to analyze data over time can also identify trends or patterns that could indicate a higher risk of incidents or injuries. For example, by tracking the frequency and severity of incidents, safety managers can identify areas requiring additional safety measures or safety training. And AI-captured snapshots can be used to provide real-time feedback to workers on their safety behaviors, which can be used to improve safety training and promote a culture of safety in the workplace.

Privacy: Computer vision can assist EHS professionals in data collection and utilization to create preventive measures while preserving employees’ privacy. An AI-powered EHS platform that leverages computer vision can collect and analyze data related to workplace safety without exposing any biometrical data. This approach can help organizations ensure that employee privacy is protected and prevents retaliation while improving workplace safety and reducing the risk of workplace accidents and injuries.

Leverage AI in your EHS management before it’s too late! 

Intenseye has created an AI platform that is not only user-friendly but also accessible to all members of EHS teams, frontline supervisors, and management. This inclusivity enables greater participation and engagement in the EHS program, promoting a safety-conscious and accountable culture. The democratization of EHS data allows employees to work collaboratively to prevent incidents.

Intenseye’s AI platform makes use of existing cameras in facilities, providing round-the-clock analysis of workplaces. It can detect hazards, including those that are not visible, and send notifications of unsafe acts and conditions in real time. The platform can also analyze trends and compliance and generate reliable and high-quality EHS data. To learn more about the platform, schedule a demo with us!