Old School Safety Meets New Tech: Finding the Balance

I’ll admit it—I’m a bit old school when it comes to safety and daily tasks. Sure, I use enough media to keep training engaging and stimulate the mind, but I believe there’s no substitute for hands-on learning and personal responsibility.

These days, there’s a big push for AI and wearable technologies in workplace safety. From creating safety plans to alerting workers of hazards, technology promises a lot. But is it always as helpful as it seems?

Growing up on a farm, “AI” meant something very different (I’ll let your imagination fill in the blanks!). Back then, we relied on maps and atlases to get around. You had to use your brain, memorize routes, and think on your feet. Now, with GPS in every car, I’ve noticed that if my GPS fails, I’m often lost—literally and figuratively. The technology did the thinking for me, and without it, I was stuck.

That’s my worry with the rush toward AI in safety. We train our teams to spot hazards, think proactively, and make quick decisions—especially those designated as the Competent Person on site. Can AI improve safety? Maybe. But what happens when it fails? I remember when we first went paperless in the office; if the power went out, all work stopped. We were dead in the water.

Wearable alert technology can be a lifesaver, especially for those working alone—though, in my view, working solo should always be a last resort. Still, if tech can save someone in trouble, I’m all for it.

So, I’m not against AI or new safety tech. I just don’t want us to rely on it so much that we stop using our own judgment and skills. After all, safety starts with thinking for yourself—not just following prompts.

Do the Right Thing.

—Kirk

o