The New Zealand Institute of Safety Management (NZISM) has announced an exciting new partnership with AI New Zealand, aimed at promoting the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in workplace safety across New Zealand.

This collaboration seeks to harness the transformative potential of AI technologies while ensuring adherence to high ethical standards and addressing the evolving needs of safety professionals in the AI era.

Promoting ethical and responsible AI use

A core objective of the partnership is to promote ethical AI implementation in workplace safety practices. The alliance emphasises the importance of transparency, accountability, and fairness in AI systems, aligning with the Privacy Act 2020 and other regulatory frameworks. By setting robust ethical guidelines, NZISM and AI New Zealand aim to build trust among workers and stakeholders, ensuring that AI technologies are used responsibly to enhance workplace safety without compromising privacy or fairness.

Identifying practical AI case studies

The partnership will focus on identifying and promoting practical AI case studies that have the potential to revolutionise workplace safety. Key areas of interest could extend to:

• Computer Vision for Real-Time Monitoring: AI-powered computer vision systems can monitor personal protective equipment (PPE) compliance and detect hazards in real-time, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring a safer work environment.
• Predictive Analytics for Risk Management: Utilising predictive analytics to forecast equipment failures and identify risk trends, allowing safety managers to take proactive measures and prevent incidents before they occur.
• Natural Language Processing (NLP) for Incident Reporting: Implementing NLP tools to automate and streamline the incident reporting process, ensuring accurate and timely documentation of safety events.

Up-skilling workers for the AI era

As AI technologies become more integrated into workplace safety protocols, there is a pressing need to up-skill the current workforce. The partnership will spearhead initiatives to provide comprehensive training programs and professional development opportunities for safety professionals. These programs will cover the fundamentals of AI, data analysis, and the ethical use of technology, equipping workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively leverage AI tools in their roles.

In addition, NZISM and AI New Zealand will facilitate masterclasses, webinars, and workshops led by AI experts, offering hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI applications. This commitment to continual professional development ensures that safety practitioners remain at the forefront of technological advancements and are well-prepared to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by AI.

By combining NZISM's expertise in health and safety management with AI New Zealand's technological prowess, this partnership is poised to set new standards for workplace safety in New Zealand. Together, they will drive the responsible adoption of AI, fostering a safer, more efficient work environment for all.