This is the third part in the 3-part series. This third part was due to be published this past September however got delayed in creating and publication.
In the first part in the series published August 06, 2025, on the RJR Safety Inc website, a basic understanding of datasets and open and closed AI was discussed. In the second part published August 17, 2025, on the RJR Safety Inc website, it was reviewed as to how AI is transforming occupational safety.
In this third part of the 3-part series, I will list and describe, basically, some AI programs of which I have
become acquainted. I have done some basic research and review. I have not conducted in-depth reviews and have not used them specifically. These are some AI programs that I will be looking into as I progress down this path of effectively and efficiently using AI.
These AI tools cover predictive analytics, real-time hazard detection, PPE monitoring, compliance automation, and immersive training, making them useful for improving safety management systems. This list is in no specific order or ranking.
The first group of AI tools uses computer vision, via existing cameras and closed-circuit TV (CCTV) to detect unsafe behaviors, PPE non-compliance, and workplace hazards. It can be used in real-time identification of unsafe acts, PPE use monitoring, identify risk zone heatmaps, and automated safety reports on its findings. It can be used just about anywhere there are cameras and CCTV. Examples of this type of AI programs and software include Protex AI, Intenseye, Smartvid.io (Vinnie AI), and ViSafe AI by Voxel.
Another group of AI programs, platforms, and software uses AI to develop inspections and audit checklists, training, and reports. Using the information gathered from electronic safety checklists and audit checklists including photos and videos, the platform compiles information using AI-powered analytics, and creates reports and can develop safety training courses. Using the AI-powered analytics, these programs can help workers and safety professionals spot trends and prevent incidents. Examples of this type of AI programs and software include SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor) and ComplianceQuest.
The next group of tools based on AI are virtual safety assistants or AI Chatbots that can provide workers and supervisors real-time guidance on company-specific procedures and policies by answering questions pertaining to the permit-to-work process, or how to get a confined space entry permit, or what PPE is required for a specific task or how to determine chemical exposure limits. These AI chatbots can provide real-time, voice-activated answers to safety questions on site. Another option for these AI assistants is they help employees stay compliant by offering checklists, reminders, and even mini quizzes during toolbox talks. The AI chatbots can be used to answer questions on safety protocols, guide workers step-by-step through tasks, and even assist in thefilling out of digital safety forms. An example of this type of AI is Work Metrics AI-SafeBot.
The last group of AI tools I will review are those platforms using AI for predictive safety analytics using data from within a company’s data collected from incident reports, near-misses, inspections, audits, behavior patterns, and similar information to assist safety professionals in anticipating incidents and tasks with a potential for injuries then making recommendations. The access to data can be expanded to include industry-specific data to assist in the analysis. An example of this type of AI tool is EcoOnline EHS Software.
One of many benefits to using AI tools in safety management is to assist safety professionals in making better, more informed decisions based on more available data and the accompanying AI data analysis where significant amounts of collected data is translated into clear insights allowing for more informed and quicker decisions.
Even with the examples listed above of AI tools that can assist safety professionals, there are some challenges and considerations that must be addressed when evaluating the use of AI tools. One is that of privacy and data security. AI systems often involve video, biometric, or behavioral data. Ensuring this data is secure and used ethically must be considered and addressed. We need to make sure we are not overly relying on AI and not using human judgement. Workplace safety requires the human touch, especially in high-stakes decisions. As you do your own research on AI tools for your use, there is a significant initial cost, ongoing annual costs, maintenance costs, upgrading equipment costs, and user training.
The AI tools described above shows a sampling of what is available. I encourage you to find the AI tools that works best for you. This is not, by any stretch of the imagination, an exhaustive list. There are many different AI tools, programs, and software available with more becoming available every day. It is up to the safety professional to research and find the AI tools, programs, and software that works best for them in their work environment and provides the results that the safety professional is looking to achieve and accomplish by its use.
The AI tools, programs, and software listed above are not to be considered as a referral or recommendation by this author. They are only examples of programs available.
As I stated in parts 1 & 2, as the author, I know that this is by no means an exhaustive explanation of AI and its use in occupational safety, actually it is a very basic summary. I plan to continue to learn, experiment with, and use AI as I see and understand the uses. This is just the beginning of my journey to better understand how artificial intelligence (AI) is being used and can be used by Safety Professionals. I am learning that as safety professionals responsibly embrace AI, understanding its many uses will improve workplace safety.
For more information and/or assistance, contact:
Wayne Vanderhoof CSP, CIT
Sr. Consultant/President
RJR Safety Inc.