How Is AI Transforming Safety Procedures in Labor-Based Industries?

Safety should always be a top priority in labor-based industries. Employees within these industries are often at a greater risk of getting injured on the job, and at an alarmingly high rate as well.

SwissCognitive Guest Blogger: Sam Bowman – “How Is AI Transforming Safety Procedures in Labor-Based Industries?”

In 2020 alone, more than 21,000 workplace injuries took place in construction and other labor-based occupations. Not only are these employees who receive injuries out of work while they receive treatment, but they can also potentially pursue legal action against their employers. There’s no doubt about it: workplace injuries waste a lot of money in construction.

Most leaders in labor-based industries understand the importance of safety and have plans in place to protect their teams. However, if you’re not utilizing technology to prioritize safety in your construction or factory business, you could be missing out on effective ways to optimize employee safety and well-being.

Workplace safety tech is nothing new, but AI has seen great advancements over the last decade. AI and labor industries can work together seamlessly to reduce human error, improve safety, and bring automation to the forefront so you’ll experience less burnout from your team. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at some of today’s various AI tech solutions for workplace safety, and how you can put them to good use in your business and protect your employees in the process.

The Benefits of AI in the Workplace

There is certainly no shortage of tech options when it comes to improving safety in factories and construction sites. The combination of AI and IoT has already transformed the manufacturing industry with things like predictive maintenance, improved cybersecurity, and constant safety monitoring. If you don’t already have AI technology in place or you’re not sure whether it’s worth it for your company, consider what’s currently available and how it can be beneficial. Artificial intelligence can improve workplace safety by:

Automating dangerous tasks;
Avoiding overwork;
Detecting hazards;
Providing security surveillance;
Providing safety training.

AI can also provide important data with predictive insights. While certain accidents are unavoidable, collecting insight from data after the fact can help you prevent future incidents from happening.

Implementing Workplace Safety Tech

So, how can you start implementing today’s technology into your safety plan? Start by using what’s easily accessible and available. For example, having a strong network will make it easy to use artificial intelligence programs and software. In the construction industry, AI is often used to analyze project data. You want to be able to look at things as quickly as possible, and a reliable network will help with that. A 5G network, in particular, can not only improve efficiency on job sites, but it can also increase safety as well. The more you’re able to analyze your data in real time, the more precautions you can put in place when they’re necessary.

You can also use AI for Building Information Modeling (BIM), so you can make 3D models of your projects. This helps with efficiency, design, the building process, and any potential issues you might run into that could put your team in danger.

If you’re still relying on spreadsheets and outdated software systems, it’s time to make a switch. AI can sort through massive amounts of data and eliminate human error while doing it. As a result, you’ll get clean, clear reports that make it easier to make informed decisions and keep your team safe from potential hazards.

Running a Smarter Business

Technology isn’t just beneficial for the physical safety of employees in labor-based industries. It can also reduce mental health issues. There’s no denying the impact of workplace stress in today’s society. It impacts people in every industry, but it can be especially dangerous for those in construction or anyone working around heavy machinery.

Smart tech innovations, including AI and automation, can help to reduce the strain of more “mundane” tasks in the workplace. On an assembly line, that might include a machine that takes care of certain aspects of product construction. On a construction site, automation can be used to control and monitor equipment, taking some of the stress away from your team and ensuring they’re safe when they’re using machines.

You can also use AI to create a more positive, inclusive workplace environment. It can assist with everything from better recruiting efforts to improve employee interaction, which are all great tools to attract a more diverse talent pool. When it comes to actually posting new job positions, using AI will actually eliminate bias from your words, too, making it more likely that the right candidate will apply for the position, rather than someone who doesn’t feel put off by the description.

As you can see, AI is transforming safety procedures in labor-based industries when it comes to both mental and physical well-being. It doesn’t take much to implement these tech advancements into your current safety strategy. Consider some of the accessible AI options available today, and how you can start utilizing them for the benefit of your workers and your business.

About the Author:

Sam Bowman is a published freelance writer from the West Coast who specializes in healthcare tech and artificial intelligence content. His experience in patient care directly translates into his work and his passion for industry technologies influences the content he creates. Sam has worked for years – directly in, and writing about – healthcare technology and the many benefits it offers to patients and doctors alike. He loves to watch as medical tech and business software grow and develop, ushering in a modern age of industry.