20 March 2025
AI has always had a way of capturing our imaginations, often as the catalyst of a dystopian future. From the malevolent Skynet in Terminator to the perplexing HAL 9000 in 2001: A Space Odyssey, pop culture has been quick to paint an unflattering picture of AI.
But how much of this cinematic drama reflects reality? While we might not be on the brink of an AI apocalypse, the technology’s impact on our everyday lives and industries is becoming increasingly hard to ignore.
So, let’s peel back the layers of fear and fascination and see what AI can bring to the table for Health and Safety.
What even is AI?
If you’re not a tech connoisseur, you might be wondering what all the fuss is about. In its simplest terms, artificial intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems designed to perform tasks that would normally require human intelligence. This can include anything from learning, reasoning, problem-solving, to understanding natural language.
Imagine the AI revolution as a modern-day space race—only instead of reaching for the stars, we're reaching for smarter, more efficient ways to manage and interpret data. Just as the space race drove technological innovation, AI is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in technology, and consequently transforming the present-day work environment.
Why should the health and safety industry care about AI?
The answer lies in AI’s potential to be a tool that helps our workers stay safe on the job. In-fact, we are already seeing pioneer companies implementing solutions successfully within the industry.
AI can transform how we approach risk management and safety controls. For instance, predictive analytics powered by AI can identify potential hazards before they become problematic, offering a proactive rather than reactive approach.
Imagine AI systems that can analyse vast amounts of data to forecast accidents and provide real-time safety recommendations—this could dramatically reduce workplace incidents and improve onsite safety. It’s not just about automating tasks, it's about harnessing AI to prevent accidents and protect lives.
AI also has the power to assist in helping front line workers engage with safety software solutions. Making it easier to input and capture valuable data and insights and ensuring that that “near miss” doesn’t become a fully fledged incident.
Ye olde ethical debate
However, before we can bask in the benefits of AI, we must navigate a complex landscape of ethical concerns.
Issues such as privacy, bias, and the autonomy of decision-making loom large. For instance, how can we cement AI systems to make decisions fairly and without prejudice? And what measures should be in place to protect individuals' data from misuse?
To address these ethical challenges, robust regulations and ethical guidelines are crucial.
Balancing innovation with responsibility is key in integrating AI into the health and safety landscape. By fostering an environment where AI’s advancements are matched by comprehensive oversight, we can pave the way for a future where technology serves humanity’s best interests, instead of living up to pop culture's expectations (no apocalypses allowed 🤖).
An AI Customer Success Story: Nexus Logistics
Scenario: bustling warehouse full of activity: trucks unloading containers, forklifts zipping in and out, and people hustling to move products from pallets to their destinations. At first glance, it seems like controlled chaos, but from a risk management perspective, there’s a lot going on.
Logistics experts Nexus know this type of scenario all too well.
Nexus operates in a high-risk environment, where even small mistakes can lead to big consequences. So, they took a bold step and partnered with an organisation using AI to enhance their safety system.
The idea was simple: use safety cameras to monitor the warehouse in real-time and have AI build safety parameters around what it sees.
When the system went live, the results were eye-opening. In just three hours, the AI flagged 25 near-death events, which shook the team to their core.
It wasn’t that people were being careless—they were simply trying to keep up in a busy, high-pressure environment. Distracted and rushing, they were doing their best to get things done.
But the AI revealed something crucial: despite having SOPs in place, risks were still hiding in plain sight. Since then, Nexus made the bold decision to stop everything and rethink how they approached safety. It wasn’t about apportioning blame—it was about understanding the bigger picture and making the necessary changes to keep everyone safe. And that’s where the real transformation began.
The AI system didn’t just uncover immediate safety risks—it also highlighted areas where working practices needed to improve.
Where ecoPortal comes in is in streamlining the process. Staff had been frustrated with manually inputting incidents from video footage into two separate systems. Now, with just one click, incidents are automatically pulled into ecoPortal, making it much easier for managers to track, investigate, and act on high-risk events.
The results have been clear: as the system continues to be used, Nexus Logistics has seen a 400% increase, year-on-year, in incident reporting.
Nexus is now identifying high-risk behaviours more effectively and taking action before incidents escalate. And the cherry on top? This work earned them a European safety award for innovation in digitisation—proving that combining AI with smarter safety practices really does make a difference.
More Tech on the Horizon: Virtual Reality
AI is not the only tech that is making waves, virtual reality (VR) is also emerging as a game-changer in the health and safety industry.
Scenario: slipping on a headset and instantly finding yourself in a bustling container yard or in the throes of a complex emergency—all from the comfort of your office.
At its core, VR creates a simulated environment through a combination of hardware and software that immerses users in a lifelike, interactive experience. Equipped with VR headsets, motion controllers, and spatial audio, users can step into a fully virtual world that feels like real life.
In health and safety, VR is revolutionising how we approach training and hazard identification. VR can enable employees to train employees on how to act in high-risk or hazardous scenarios without the actual dangers. VR provides stunning realism, allowing workers to engage in simulations that teach them how to respond to emergencies or recognise potential hazards.
The benefits are endless—these immersive experiences not only create engaging learning experiences but also lead to better retention and application of safety protocols.
With VR, we’re no longer imagining safer workplaces; we’re cementing them, ensuring that our teams are prepared for real-world challenges.
Briscoe Group is one such VR safety pioneer.
A VR Customer Success Story: Briscoe Group
You’re working in retail, and you’re sent to the back room to move a heavy box. You think you’ve got it—then, bam, your back gives way, and you’re suddenly dealing with a strain you didn’t see coming.
Manual handling is a critical component of operations in retail environments, but it also poses a significant risk of injury, especially during busy seasons.
For years, Briscoe Group stuck with the usual training methods—think instructor-led sessions and online modules. Sure, they did the job, but when it came to turning that training into real-world skills, they didn’t always hit the mark. With manual handling incidents accounting for 25% of ecoPortal entries, it was clear something more engaging was needed.
After diving into the world of immersive training, Briscoe Group realised VR could offer a far more hands-on, realistic approach. Employees could now practise manual handling techniques in a virtual environment—safe, controlled, and without the risk of injury. It was like getting the reps in without the strain.
The team built a solid business case, secured the budget, and rolled out a pilot program at one of their Auckland locations.
The results? Major win. Employees were more engaged, the feedback was glowing, and early data showed a drop in injury rates. By bringing VR into their training mix, Briscoe Group isn’t just boosting safety—it’s creating a more engaged safety culture.
Final Words
As we forge ahead into this new era of health and safety, let’s remember that technology alone isn't the answer—it’s how we choose to wield it. AI and VR have moved beyond their cinematic portrayals to become transformative tools that can greatly enhance workplace safety. But with great power comes great responsibility. It’s not just about embracing these technologies; it’s about using them wisely to foster healthier and safe work environments for our teams to thrive.
So, as we harness these innovations, let’s remember: we’re here to redefine the narrative—not to live up to the dramatic scenarios of pop culture. The path forward is ours to shape—let’s make it one of progress, integrity, and unparalleled safety.
