Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept in health and safety. It is already being used to identify risk, predict incidents, monitor behaviour, and surface insights that traditional systems simply cannot.
But as interest in AI in health and safety accelerates, so does confusion.
Many organisations are asking the same questions:
What does AI actually do in a safety context?
Where does it add real value - and where does it create new risk?
How do PCBUs adopt AI responsibly without outsourcing judgment or accountability?
These questions sit at the heart of Season 5, Episode 3 of the Health and Safety Unplugged podcast, where I sat down with Tane van der Bloon from Inviol to explore what AI means for real-world safety systems - not theory, not hype, and not vendor-driven promises.
This article breaks down the key themes from that conversation and places them in a practical, New Zealand context.
The Role of AI in Health and Safety Today
AI in health and safety supports better decision-making by analysing data at scale, identifying patterns humans miss, and highlighting risk earlier - but it does not replace professional judgment or PCBU accountability.
AI tools are increasingly used to:
analyse large volumes of safety data
detect trends across incidents, near misses, and observations
support earlier intervention before harm occurs
provide consistency where manual systems struggle
In the podcast, Tane makes a critical distinction: AI is most powerful when it augments human capability, not when it attempts to replace it.
This framing matters. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, duties cannot be delegated to software. AI can inform decisions, but responsibility always remains with the PCBU.
From Manual Safety Processes to AI-Supported Systems
Most organisations still rely heavily on manual safety processes:
static risk registers
incident reporting after harm has occurred
periodic audits that offer snapshots, not trends
spreadsheets and PDFs that do not talk to each other
AI changes this by shifting safety systems from reactive to predictive.
Instead of waiting for incidents to signal failure, AI-supported platforms can:
identify early warning signs
highlight repeat patterns across sites or teams
surface weak signals that would otherwise remain invisible
In the interview, Tane describes this as moving from “reporting what happened” to understanding what is likely to happen next.
That shift is significant - but only when the underlying data and systems are sound.
Why AI in Health and Safety Is Gaining Momentum
AI adoption in health and safety is accelerating for several reasons.
Predictive Risk Management Using AI in Health and Safety
AI enables earlier identification of risk by analysing trends across incidents, behaviours, and conditions before harm occurs.
Traditional systems tend to focus on lag indicators. AI allows organisations to interrogate lead indicators at scale.
This is particularly relevant in complex environments where:
work changes frequently
contractors are involved
risk exposure varies day to day
manual oversight has limits
Real-Time Monitoring and AI in Health and Safety Systems
AI-powered tools increasingly support real-time insights through:
sensor data
digital permits
behavioural observation platforms
operational system integration
However, as discussed in the podcast, real-time data is only valuable if there is governance around how it is used.
More data does not automatically mean better safety outcomes.
Reducing Human Error Without Removing Human Judgment
AI can reduce cognitive load and inconsistency, but it cannot replace contextual understanding or ethical decision-making.
One of the strongest insights from the conversation with Tane is that AI does not remove error - it changes where error occurs.
If inputs are flawed, biased, or incomplete, AI will scale those weaknesses.
This is why AI must sit within:
clear decision-making frameworks
defined escalation pathways
competent human oversight
Cost Efficiency and Resource Allocation
AI can reduce administrative burden by:
automating analysis
prioritising issues that matter most
reducing time spent searching for insights
That efficiency is attractive - but only when it supports better control selection, not just faster reporting.
Compliance and AI in Health and Safety
AI can assist with:
identifying gaps against expected standards
highlighting misalignment between practice and documentation
supporting internal assurance processes
What it cannot do is create compliance by default.
As reinforced in the podcast, regulators assess outcomes, decisions, and systems - not software adoption.
AI in Health and Safety Requires Governance, Not Just Technology
One of the most important themes in the interview is governance.
Before adopting AI tools, organisations should be able to answer:
What decisions will AI inform?
What decisions will always remain human-led?
How are outputs validated?
How is bias managed?
How is data quality assured?
Without these answers, AI risks becoming:
a false sense of security
an unchallenged authority
a compliance blind spot
This is where many early adopters stumble.
Expert Insight: Tane van der Bloon on AI and Safety Systems
Tane brings a grounded perspective shaped by operational reality, not Silicon Valley optimism.
A recurring message throughout the episode is this:
“AI is only as good as the system it sits within.”
Strong safety outcomes still rely on:
well-designed risk frameworks
clear accountabilities
effective application of the hierarchy of controls
leadership engagement
AI enhances those systems - it does not replace them.
Where AI Fits - and Where It Does Not
AI adds the most value when:
data is consistent and reliable
risk is dynamic and complex
early intervention matters
insights are acted on
AI adds the least value when:
organisations are trying to compensate for weak fundamentals
documentation does not reflect reality
leadership is disengaged
risk controls rely on behaviour alone
This distinction is critical for business leaders considering adoption.
AI in Health and Safety and PCBU Accountability
Using AI does not reduce PCBU duties. It increases the expectation that risks are understood and managed proactively.
If AI surfaces risk indicators and those indicators are ignored, accountability does not disappear.
In fact, it may increase.
This reinforces the need for AI to be embedded into decision-making processes - not bolted on as a reporting tool.
Common Questions About AI in Health and Safety
Is AI required to meet HSWA obligations?
No. AI is not required, but organisations must manage risk so far as reasonably practicable. AI may support that duty where appropriate.
Can AI replace safety advisors or consultants?
No. AI supports analysis, not professional judgment, leadership, or accountability.
Is AI suitable for all industries?
Not always. High-variability, data-rich environments tend to benefit most
Does AI improve safety culture?
Only when paired with leadership, engagement, and good system design.
Watch the Full Conversation: Health and Safety Unplugged
This article only scratches the surface.
In Season 5, Episode 3 of Health and Safety Unplugged, Tane van der Bloon and I explore:
where AI genuinely improves safety outcomes
where organisations are getting it wrong
what responsible adoption looks like in practice
If you are considering AI in your safety system, this conversation will help you separate value from noise.
Final Thought: AI Is a Tool, Not a Strategy
AI will continue to shape health and safety practice in New Zealand.
But strong outcomes will always depend on:
system design
leadership decisions
practical application of controls
willingness to reassess assumptions
AI can enhance those foundations - but it cannot replace them.
About the author
This article was written by Matt Jones, a HASANZ-registered health and safety professional and founder of Advanced Safety.
Matt advises New Zealand business leaders on practical health and safety system design, HSWA compliance and risk management, with a focus on construction, manufacturing, and complex operational environments. He is also the host of the Health and Safety Unplugged podcast, where he speaks with industry leaders about real-world safety challenges and emerging practice.
Advanced Safety is a New Zealand-based workplace health and safety consultancy providing compliance audits, ISO 45001-aligned systems, risk assessments, and ongoing safety management support for construction, manufacturing and commercial businesses.
Links:
Matt Jones – LinkedIn
Advanced Safety – https://www.advancedsafety.co.nz/
Health and Safety Unplugged (YouTube) – https://www.youtube.com/@advancedsafety
