Smarter, Safer, Faster: The Rise Of AI-Driven Safety Management

AI has rapidly evolved from basic pattern recognition to a transformative force in workplace safety. Advances in large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT and DeepSeek, alongside innovations in computer vision and edge computing, are enabling real-time monitoring, automated hazard detection and predictive analytics – pushing safety strategies toward more proactive and data-driven approaches.

Here are some key trends we’ve identified in AI for safety management:

• Integrated AI assistants.
  Vendors are introducing sophisticated AI-powered assistants that streamline compliance, risk assessment and safety management. These ‘co-pilots’ – such as Avetta’s AskAva, Benchmark Gensuite’s Genny and CONFORMiT’s Johnny – are becoming increasingly context-aware, delivering personalized guidance within workflows.
  
• Computer vision in action.
  A range of partnership and funding announcements highlight increased investment in computer vision capabilities. Collaboration between Benchmark Gensuite and 3motionAI, BlueKanGo and Moovency, and Cority and Protex AI – alongside Intenseye’s $64 million funding round and Protex AI’s $36 million funding round – all reflect the rise of visual AI in real-time safety monitoring, personal protective equipment (PPE) compliance and incident prevention.
  
• Data-driven decision-making.
  From VelocityEHS's patented AI for workplace injury prevention to Origami Risk's AI Risk Identifier, the market is increasingly focused on leveraging AI to extract actionable insights from safety data. In practice, this entails identifying patterns, anticipating risks and enabling better informed decision-making, while shifting away from reactive incident response.

AI adoption in EHS is gaining traction and momentum, with 46% of firms prioritizing AI implementation for EHS automation in the next two years. Vendors are now embedding AI as a value-added feature in core platforms to enhance workflow efficiency and decision-making. While current focus remains on assistive AI, the future is clearly pointing toward agentic AI: autonomous systems capable of independently assessing, deciding and acting on safety risks. Although still in its early stages, the industry is beginning to move in this direction. For instance, ServiceNow’s acquisition of AI start-up Moveworks signals growing interest in more autonomous, AI-driven support capabilities – an early step on the path toward truly agentic safety systems.

The use of AI in safety management is expanding rapidly. For deeper insights, please read Verdantix AI Applied Radar: AI Applied To Safety Management or explore related reports on Vantage.