Key insights from a panel at the Women in Safety Summit
At the Women in Safety Summit Calgary 2025, industry experts explored the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in workplace safety, discussing its potential, limitations, and ethical challenges. The panel, moderated by Lisa Stephenson of Energy Safety Canada, featured:
- Holly Hale, Legal Counsel, Suncor
- Paul Hayes, Director of Safety, Calgary Airport Authority
- Ashley McKie, Director of Health & Safety, Inland Group
While AI offers powerful safety tools, the panelists stressed that human oversight remains essential.
AI as a versatile tool
AI is shifting workplace safety from reactive to proactive by identifying hazards before incidents occur.
"When we see an area of concern through reporting and can identify it through heat maps, we can then utilize our resources to focus on that area," said Hayes, emphasizing AI’s role in targeted safety interventions.
However, AI lacks empathy and critical thinking, making human validation crucial. "AI can draft a safety policy for me, but it doesn’t incorporate human elements," McKie pointed out. She also notes AI can make safety training more accessible and engaging. "There’s technology now where you can take a policy and turn it into a podcast," McKie shared, highlighting AI’s role in improving worker engagement.
But smaller companies may struggle with AI investment, and McKie advised prioritizing AI that saves time or reduces operational risks. "You can't just throw AI at every problem—you need to build a business case," she said.
Privacy, ethics, and regulatory Gaps
AI's data privacy risks remain a concern. "Don't put private information into ChatGPT. People don’t realize they’re helping the model learn," warned Hale. She also pointed out bias is another challenge—AI-driven recruitment tools, for example, have favored certain demographics due to flawed data.
Regulations also lag behind AI advancements. Hale shared how Ontario still requires human oversight in confined space monitoring, despite AI potentially proving safer.
While AI adoption is growing, the panel emphasized training, collaboration, and advocacy. "Companies should be training women on AI and putting them in leadership roles," Hale urged. He encouraged cross-industry collaboration to stay ahead, saying, "we’re always liaising with peers in other industries to see what’s working."
Key takeaways for safety professionals
✅ Use AI for predictive safety, but ensure human oversight
✅ Be cautious with data privacy and bias risks
✅ Advocate for updated safety regulations
✅ Leverage AI for training & communication improvements
AI is reshaping workplace safety, but its success depends on ethical use, regulatory adaptation, and human expertise. Organizations must embrace AI while ensuring it enhances—not replaces—workplace safety efforts.
