The future of safety: digital predictive safety indicators

Karl Simons OBE, Chief Futurist at FYLD, gives us his insight into how AI adoption is key to delivering the highest productivity and safety standards for organisations, and how FYLD is breaking tradition and leading the charge of the next phase of safety – digital predictive safety indicators…

How do you predict the world of safety will evolve?

Working in the field of artificial intelligence this past 14 months has truly opened my eyes to the power that can be harnessed through a change in mindset. Health and safety advisors changing their thinking and leading their organisations to become digitally led is the future.

I am continually learning about organisations that have been progressive in taking the leap towards using AI technology for their fieldworkers. This has put them in great stead for positioning themselves to be global leaders in health and safety.

I believe the future will see all organisations establishing and monitoring a series of what I call Digital Predictive Safety Indicators (DPSIs). I predict this will become an important part of future health and safety practitioners’ daily lives and of organisations operating risk control management processes.

What’s the real difference between traditional and modern safety indicators?

The traditional leading indicators presently being monitored in organisations are all still vital. I consider these to be ‘Human Captured Indicators’, which include: 

  • Positive safety observations made
  • Reporting of unsafe acts and conditions
  • Health and safety training days delivered
  • Inspections undertaken and corrective actions closed

What the AI technology brings to the table is the ability to look far deeper than humans can glean. Imagine a machine being able to apply an increased risk score at the design phase or point of work phase. The technology does this by looking through factors like: 

  • The type of work being undertaken
  • Previous incidents occurring at that geographical location
  • The individual competency levels of those undertaking the work
  • The fatigue levels of the workers that day

You can then begin to get a picture of the how machines are better equipped to aid humans in the future. It also provides a snapshot into what we at FYLD have already began introducing for our customers!

How can FYLD help modernise safety?

FYLD’s innovative processes and AI engine creates a step change in the quality of risk assessments performed on site. By improving awareness to risks, FYLD’s digital platform enables field workers to be acutely alert to their surroundings and provides a comprehensive tool which helps them perform their role safely and productively.

If you want to find out more about how FYLD can help power productivity and safety for your organisation, get in touch today.