As Head of Health, Safety & Sustainability, I’m always on the lookout for smart, practical ways to make our workplaces safer. One of the most exciting shifts we’re seeing right now is how artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to improve health and safety, turning reactive processes into proactive ones.

In the UK, AI is already making waves. Some construction companies are using AI-powered cameras to keep an eye on things like PPE use and potential site hazards in real time—basically acting as an extra set of (very sharp) eyes. Network Rail is also tapping into AI to predict when assets might fail and flag higher-risk areas, helping crews step in before things go wrong.

Here at JE, we’re seeing real potential too. We’ve already got smart meters and IoT tech giving us detailed insights into energy use. That data isn’t just about efficiency—it can help us better understand risks in high-energy areas. And when we start layering AI on top? We open up new possibilities like predictive maintenance and even tools that can spot unsafe behaviours before they lead to an incident.

Wearables are another interesting area. In UK warehouses and logistics hubs, AI-powered devices are tracking movement and posture, giving workers real-time nudges if they’re at risk of injury. The results? A big drop in musculoskeletal issues—over 30% in some cases. At JE, we have integrated wearables for our lone workers and it’s exciting to explore how we can further enhance this with the use of AI.

Of course, AI isn’t a silver bullet or without its challenges. A UK company faced fines for implementing AI-driven surveillance that tracked employee activities so precisely that workers had to justify each rest break. This monitoring was deemed excessive and illegal, highlighting the potential for AI to infringe on workers' rights and impact their wellbeing when not properly regulated.

We need to make sure we don’t lean too hard on technology at the expense of good judgement. But when used well, AI is a brilliant addition to our safety toolkit—helping us to manage health and safety proactively.

World Day for Safety and Health