There’s been a noticeable increase in discussion around AI in health and safety, particularly around tools that claim to assess risk by analysing site footage, images and information captured by field teams.
On the surface, the idea is compelling. Site operatives record short videos, take photographs or leave voice notes, and the system processes that information to identify hazards and unsafe conditions. Some platforms go a step further by highlighting patterns across multiple sites and flagging areas where incidents are more likely to occur.
For organisations managing several sites or fast-moving operations, it’s easy to understand the appeal.
What These Tools Are Designed to Do
AI risk assessment tools are generally built to recognise patterns that indicate risk. In practice, that means they can pick up on things like missing PPE, unsafe behaviours, access into restricted areas or repeated issues with housekeeping.
The main benefit is visibility. Managers and safety teams can see what’s happening on site without always being there in person, and potential issues can be flagged far more quickly than through traditional reporting routes.
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Where AI Can Be Useful
Used in the right way, AI can add value. It can process large volumes of information quickly and highlight trends that might otherwise go unnoticed. For organisations with limited safety resource or sites spread across wide geographical areas, this can help prioritise attention where risk appears to be highest.
It can also encourage engagement from site teams. Submitting a short video or voice note is often easier than completing paperwork, and that can lead to better reporting and visibility of day-to-day site conditions.
Why AI Still Has Clear Limitations
Despite the benefits, AI has some obvious constraints.
These systems work to rules and probabilities. They don’t understand context in the same way a person does. Temporary changes to a job, unusual site conditions, conflicting risks or practical constraints can all be difficult for software to interpret accurately.
There’s also the issue of responsibility. Under UK health and safety law, risk assessments must be suitable and sufficient, and accountability sits with the employer. That responsibility can’t be transferred to a digital platform, regardless of how advanced it may appear.
The Risk of Over-Reliance
One of the real concerns is what happens when AI outputs are accepted without challenge.
Good risk assessment isn’t just about spotting hazards. It’s about understanding how work is actually carried out, how people behave under pressure, and what control measures will genuinely work on a specific site. That level of judgement comes from experience, not data alone.
If the human element is reduced too far, there’s a risk that assessments become generic, impractical or disconnected from real working conditions.
A More Balanced Way Forward
The most effective approach is not to treat AI as a replacement for risk assessment, but as a support tool.
AI can help highlight issues, provide useful data and improve oversight. Human-led risk assessments are still essential to interpret that information properly, apply proportionate controls and ensure the final assessment reflects the reality of the task, the site and the workforce.
When technology and professional judgement are used together, safety management is usually stronger.
Our Approach to Risk Assessment
While AI tools continue to develop, many organisations still need competent, human-produced risk assessments completed to a good professional standard.
Where required, we provide practical, task-specific risk assessments that are based on how work is actually carried out. Our focus is on clear, usable documentation, sensible control measures and professional judgement grounded in real-world experience.
Technology has a place in modern health and safety, but people remain central to effective risk management.
So, Is AI the Future of Risk Assessment?
AI will almost certainly play a bigger role in health and safety in the years ahead, particularly around monitoring, trend analysis and supporting decision-making.
But it won’t replace competent risk assessment.
The future lies in using technology to support better judgement, not in removing the human element that keeps people safe.
Get in Touch with Acreditsafe
If you’re after human-led risk assessments completed to a good professional standard, Acreditsafe can help.
We work with organisations across various different sectors, providing practical, compliant risk assessments and health and safety support that reflects how work is actually carried out on site.
Whether you’re considering new safety technology or just want reassurance that your current documentation is fit for purpose, we’re happy to have a conversation.
Get in touch with Acreditsafe to discuss your requirements and see how we can support your business.