The future of workplace safety, key Insights from the "Must Have Safety AI Tools for 2025 Webinar"

Artificial intelligence (AI) is steadily transforming various aspects of our lives, and workplace safety is no exception.  During the recent "Must Have Safety AI Tools for 2025" webinar. Industry leaders discussed how AI is transforming safety practices and what organizations can expect in the coming years. Here are some of the most impactful takeaways from the discussion.

1. AI: A Game-Changer for Workplace Safety

AI’s ability to analyze large datasets and predict potential risks offers a significant shift from traditional, reactive safety measures to more proactive approaches. Peter Thomas highlighted this potential, reflecting on how AI, initially applied in finance, is now being used to save lives in the workplace. But the question remains: Why has it taken so long for AI to make this transition?

Peter suggested that the delay might be due to the complexity of safety data and the inherent challenges in integrating AI into safety protocols. However, now that the technology is more accessible, it's beginning to make a real impact. He emphasized that as accident rates have plateaued, AI could be the catalyst to drive further improvements.

"We've kind of hit this plateau, and we need something to help us get over that and get it to the next level to start moving again in terms of decreasing the amount of harm that's caused." - Peter Thomas

This raises the idea that AI might not just be an enhancement to current practices but a necessary evolution to achieve further progress in safety.

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2. Quantifying the ROI of Safety Tools

One of the critical challenges in health and safety is demonstrating a clear return on investment (ROI) for safety initiatives. Peter Thomas delved into why this is a persistent issue: many organizations struggle to measure their safety performance quantitatively. This difficulty often stems from the intangible nature of safety outcomes, where the true benefits—such as lives saved or injuries prevented—are hard to quantify.

Peter believes that AI can help overcome this challenge by providing concrete data on the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of safety measures. He envisions a future where safety investments are not just based on compliance or intuition but on measurable outcomes that can justify continued investment.

"For me, I feel like tech is really going to help us to pull all this together, start quantifying these numbers, start quantifying safety performance. My personal goal, what I want to see before I retire, is a clear, demonstrable ROI on safety investment." - Peter Thomas

This shift could lead to a more data-driven approach to safety, where every decision is backed by solid evidence of its value.

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3. The Growing Acceptance and Adoption of AI

AI’s journey from being a niche technology to becoming mainstream has been fascinating. Tomer Garzberg discussed how tools like ChatGPT have played a role in making AI more accessible, leading to broader acceptance even in industries that were traditionally slow to adopt new technologies. But why has this shift happened now?

Tomer pointed out that as more people experience the "magic" of AI in everyday tools, they become more open to its potential applications in their work. This exposure helps demystify AI, making it less intimidating and more of an opportunity to enhance productivity and efficiency.

"The adoption rates we've seen this year have exceeded any other year because so many people have gone, 'I've used ChatGPT, it did some magic. I'm sure this is magic.'" - Tomer Garzberg

The growing acceptance is likely due to AI’s proven benefits in simplifying complex tasks, which is particularly appealing in high-pressure environments like workplace safety.

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4. AI Helping Humans Become Better Humans

Tomer Garzberg also provided a compelling perspective on how AI could enhance human capabilities, particularly in roles that require empathy, creativity, and complex decision-making. But what does it mean for AI to make us "better humans"?

Tomer explained that by taking over mundane, repetitive tasks, AI allows people to focus on what they do best—tasks that require human judgment, empathy, and creativity. This shift not only improves efficiency but also job satisfaction, as employees can spend more time on meaningful work.

"There's this shift where AI or machines are going to make humans better humans in their roles." - Tomer Garzberg

This vision suggests that AI isn't just a tool to increase productivity, but a partner that enhances our ability to do work that matters.

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5. Transforming Safety Roles and Responsibilities

The integration of AI is expected to change the role of safety professionals significantly over the next decade. Dan discussed why this transformation is both inevitable and necessary. As AI takes over tasks like data collection and basic reporting, safety professionals will need to shift their focus towards data analysis and strategic decision-making.

"The way I see it, I do see safety professionals' roles over the next decade are going to change drastically in a really positive way." - Dan Hobbs

This change is driven by the need to leverage AI's capabilities fully, requiring safety professionals to develop new skills in data analysis and technology management. However, this shift also raises questions about how these professionals will adapt and what training will be needed to support them.

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6. AI and the Importance of Change Management

Introducing AI into an organization is not just about implementing new tools—it's about managing change effectively. Tomer Garzberg emphasized that successful AI adoption hinges on how well teams are prepared for this transition. But why is change management so crucial in this context?

Tomer argued that AI represents a significant shift in how work is done, which can be daunting for employees used to traditional methods. Preparing teams through proper training and forward planning ensures that the technology is not only adopted but used effectively to improve safety outcomes.

"The biggest thing is change management. It's really great to want AI, but adoption is improved when there's been forward planning involved." - Tomer Garzberg

This highlights the importance of a thoughtful approach to AI integration, one that considers both the technical and human aspects of change.

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7. Looking Ahead: The Future of AI in Safety

The future of AI in workplace safety looks promising, but it also poses challenges that professionals must navigate. Peter Thomas urged safety professionals to embrace AI proactively to stay ahead of the curve. But what does it mean to be proactive in this context?

Peter suggested that embracing AI now, rather than waiting until it becomes ubiquitous, allows safety professionals to shape how the technology is used in their organizations. This proactive approach could give them a competitive edge, as they will be better prepared to leverage AI’s full potential.

"As a safety professional, I could see that [AI] is phenomenally powerful... I'm jumping in with both feet. I'm not going to let the opportunity pass me by." - Peter Thomas

This perspective encourages safety professionals to be early adopters, positioning themselves as leaders in the future of workplace safety.

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These insights from the underscore the transformative potential of AI in workplace safety, while also exploring the reasons behind these changes and the implications for the future. As technology continues to advance, organizations that thoughtfully embrace AI will be better positioned to protect their workers and improve overall safety outcomes.

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