How Can Artificial Intelligence Improve Workplace Safety?

Artificial intelligence is the hottest and fastest-growing trend for businesses and professionals worldwide, with applications in everything from design and research to writing and analysis. However, for many companies, an important question is – can artificial intelligence improve workplace safety.

While we will dig deeper into this concept in this guide, the short answer is – yes, it can. Several AI sensors and software are used to track production lines, basic equipment, potential harassment, and your overall workforce. Reducing errors and improving performance through task automation and real-time feedback is also possible.

In this article, we will look in-depth into all the methods we can use to maximize workplace safety while using AI. Besides that, we will explore how AI developments can influence and improve business operations in 2023!

How can artificial intelligence improve workplace safety?

AI solutions can improve safety in the workplace by automating existing jobs, surveilling dangerous equipment, and using predictive and cyber threat analysis to stay one step ahead of any threats.

Whether your business is in the healthcare industry or a financial institution, AI solutions can protect physical and digital operations leading to a work environment with reduced data loss and fewer on-site injuries. It can also help manage harassment in the workplace.

Here is a detailed look into some ways that artificial intelligence is revolutionizing workplace safety:

Predictive analytics

Predictive analytics allows companies to scan their workspaces for potential risks to worker safety and workplace health using AI software and sensors. Once a risk is assessed, workers are warned of its presence and cautioned to take action before the situation escalates. This makes predictive analytics tools excellent for workers in factories and mines where it is crucial to respond quickly in emergencies.

Like almost every other AI solution mode, predictive analysis is also heavily dependent on the machine learning support of the solution. Machine learning is particularly important here because it is a powerful tool for data analysis and works on the entire production process, making it the right choice for picking out weak spots.

After the machine learning system has closed in on an issue, the AI software/sensor can use that data to take the right action. This could mean a simple alert using an IoT device or an evacuation alarm, depending on the risk. While predictive analysis is similar to human actions in its analysis and warning systems, it is much more suited to professional environments since it can handle several inputs simultaneously.

The best thing about AI solutions is that they can be customized to aid every professional. Predictive analytics is no different, as data scientists and cybersecurity experts can also use it.

Task Automation

Other than using predictive analysis AI in safety management to warn employees of potential danger in the workplace, you can also use AI-powered robots to replace human workers on dangerous jobs altogether. This is not a new development for most businesses, as most production processes involving dangerous equipment are moving over to robots, with human workers supervising the production lines and tools like Microsoft Power Apps are extensively used for task automation.

This can improve workplace safety as human workers are no longer exposed to environments that could be hazardous for them, and there is less risk of man-made error after the entire production line has been optimized with AI.

However, task automation benefits with AI are not limited to the manufacturing line and personal protective equipment only. Another excellent contender is drones. Drones are powerful at physical analysis and delivery. They are often equipped with a camera and are small, making them ideal for investigating dangerous environments. They are an excellent tool for efficiency and safety, as they can be manipulated to reach spaces impossible for human beings to access and inspect.

Since humans can operate drones from a base, they are often used in the construction industry, making site evaluation much safer for workers!

Cyber Threat Analysis

Having a solid cybersecurity system is essential for safety in the workplace as it secures communications between employees and all personal and professional data that could be manipulated to have a negative impact on the company or its employees. This is where AI steps in to improve cyber threat analysis for a firm.

It is essential to protect sensitive company data, and one of the most significant risks to the security of such data is human errors. For example, if an employee falls prey to a phishing scam while on their work computer, they could risk compromising user data or other sensitive information. Depending on the firm’s size, such mishaps could result in legal charges or millions of dollars in losses.

Cybersecurity experts can use AI to explore system weaknesses, cyber threats, and counter strategies in real-time by utilizing the best predictive intelligence systems and advanced natural language processing. These advanced AI tools can scrap and scan all cybersecurity-related data across the web to make more informed decisions. It is also a lot easier to implement the right solution depending on the type of threat.

Communication Surveillance

NLP, or natural language processing, has made monitoring large-scale communication and big data sets much more straightforward. It helps AI solutions to learn faster, and they can transcribe meetings and create detailed reports by analyzing spoken and written communication.

There are also internal threats like workplace harassment and unfair promotions that can be addressed by using NLP solutions, one of many examples of artificial intelligence in the workplace. When all transmitted data within the company goes through certain pre-set checks, these NLP solutions can pick up on inappropriate communication. After picking out such communication, the NLP system would report it directly to senior management.

With AI protection on your computer networks and your production lines, the extra layer of protection is that the system never gets tired, which is essential for cybersecurity solutions that need vigilant monitoring 24/7.

Workforce surveillance

IoT sensors powered by AI and ML solutions have completely revolutionized workforce surveillance. We discussed the productivity benefits of optimizing production lines in the earlier sections. Still, AI also plays a big part in workers’ safety by protecting them from medical risks.

There are several ways workflow surveillance with AI can protect your employee’s health with occupational safety and protect them from injuries in the workplace. For example, you can use IoT sensors to monitor employees’ occupational health, track their current location, and alert them about any potential environmental hazards or workplace accidents.

Improving efficiency and productivity for both in-office and remote employees is also possible by enhancing staff training and monitoring employee engagement during L&D programs.

Before working with big data sets and large-scale surveillance systems, ensuring that you have an experienced data science team who can leverage third-party vendors and internal company strengths to produce the best results is crucial.

Equipment Surveillance

Manufacturing robots and drones are just two examples of robotic equipment that have made workspaces more productive and safer. However, it is essential to note that these technologies need to be monitored despite all their advantages. The best surveillance for this equipment combines human employees and AI solutions.

Machines can break down, and faulty equipment can result in serious workplace injuries that could even be life-threatening. With machines taking over multiple operations across several industries, these risks are a bleak reality for modern businesses. However, AI solutions coupled with IoT devices are bringing these numbers down.

They mitigate any issues with the equipment in the production process by identifying potential problems and issuing solutions before things go haywire. Since the systems are passively monitored 24/7, it also helps catch and alert staff if any breakdowns or thefts occur.

Setting the triggers and specifying the suspicious behavior you wish to be alerted about is possible. You can even have sound-enabled cameras that recognize certain loud sounds to activate bright lights and sirens.

Are AI developments useful for businesses in 2023?

AI developments are helping modern businesses to become more sophisticated in managing their employees, equipment, and business operations. These changes give businesses an edge over their competitors, as they can make better data-driven decisions and respond in time during emergencies.

Big data and the need for faster data analysis systems have played a significant role in the resurgence of AI. Companies like Tesla, Amazon, and Google are already adapting and improvising on the latest AI developments to provide better products and services.

It is easier to store large amounts of data and run large-scale applications directly from a cloud server, and it is easier to make better predictions after collecting data. While cloud computing is a powerful tool for modern businesses, other AI innovations like ChatGPT are groundbreaking in how they can seamlessly mimic human results.  If you want to learn more about how AI has transformed business operations, check out our detailed guide on the topic.

Whether you are a business owner or a professional, it is essential to realize that AI solutions will heavily influence several processes in your workflow. The Institute of Data offers a course that is perfect for aspiring professionals who want to get hired as AI experts. This course teaches you all the fundamental topics and gets you job ready in just six months!

Therefore, educating yourself on the changing trends and staying one step ahead can be very profitable. In the words of Mr. Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, “AI software is the most important and profitable innovation for modern businesses”.

Conclusion

AI is exceptional in its abilities to analyze risks, automate dangerous tasks and improve overall safety, making it ideal for every department in a business.

2023 is the perfect time to adopt AI changes for your workplace, and if you want to learn how to do so, book a career consultation with one of our experts today. If you have any more queries about a career in Data Science & AI, join our webinar.