In human resources, employee safety should always be a top priority. But depending on the size and complexity of your organization, it can be a challenge to stay on top of potential safety issues, particularly if you’re working in a high-risk industry. 

Today, we have new tools for improving workplace safety. Modern equipment has advanced safety features that prevent injuries and accidents, and we now know how important it is for employees to get enough rest. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is another powerful tool that can help to improve both safety and productivity in the workplace. Because we’re still learning more about all of the ways AI can enhance our world, many companies haven’t yet explored its potential. But AI could help HR ensure that workers are safe and the organization is compliant with federal and local regulations. 

Here are just some of the ways AI can improve the workplace. 

AI Can Help Analyze & Identify Innovation Opportunities 

Companies that survive long-term are those who adapt and innovate. Whether your organization is in manufacturing, retail, healthcare, or another field altogether, it has to be able to grow and change as new technology, consumer preferences, and other factors shift. 

Artificial intelligence gives companies a competitive edge, and the most innovative companies know it. In fact, 72% of leaders feel that AI provides a business advantage. With that said, however, just 15% of organizations were using AI in 2018, according to a survey of nearly 13,000 professionals. There’s still room for companies to get on the cutting edge and start harnessing the power of AI right now. 

Companies that aren’t yet exploring the possibilities of AI might start to fall behind and stagnate over time. There are countless possible applications in nearly every field, and it’s a technology that can benefit every organization. 

Assisting Employees to Improve Engagement & Production 

Artificial intelligence can assist in data processing or in automating tasks. We know that when engagement drops, productivity is affected and employees may be more likely to be injured on the job. It’s crucial to keep the workforce operating at its peak for both growth and safety. 

With this in mind, AI could potentially be used to automate some of the most dangerous or tedious jobs still performed by humans. Robots are already performing these tasks in hospitals all over the world, freeing up nurses to care for patients. 

By taking over some tasks and enhancing efficiency, it’s possible to make workers’ jobs more interesting and fulfilling, while simultaneously improving productivity. Even in an office, automation can help to prevent burnout by taking on repetitive tasks and reducing stress and overwhelm. 

AI Can Be Used to Improve Workplace Safety 

Some workplaces are more hazardous than others, but regardless of what your employees are exposed to on a daily basis, AI can help to improve workplace safety. Tools like smart sensors to detect environmental hazards, robots that take over especially dangerous tasks, wearable tech, and data-based safeguards to reduce human error are all ways that AI can be applied to increase workplace safety. 
Each organization needs to thoroughly understand the risks employees are exposed to on the job before investing in AI solutions. With modern technology, it’s never been easier to protect workers and keep the organization running smoothly. 

Finding and Keeping Some of the Brightest Minds in Your Industry 

Safe and innovative companies gain other advantages as well: they’re more likely to attract and retain top talent. As an HR professional, you understand how challenging it can be to find and keep the brightest minds in any given industry. By investing in cutting-edge technology, you can not only keep the workplace safe but also find the best candidates for your open positions. 

AI helps HR professionals quickly sort through candidates, saving time for evaluating and attracting great applicants, and focusing on the existing workforce. Today, there are many different tools that can help you hire on-site or remote workers. You can even evaluate candidates based on traits that might make them a great cultural fit. 

Incorporating AI into your organization doesn’t mean replacing people. What is does is assist you in creating a safer, more efficient, and innovative company that will stand the test of time and build a workplace that attracts the best candidates in your industry.