- Technologies once considered futuristic are now the foundation of day-to-day operations across high-risk industries.
- Safety doesn’t have to slow down progress when AI systems are designed to learn from risks, they empower teams to build faster, work smarter, and prevent problems before they ever occur.
When it comes to AI in the workplace, most conversations still circle automation, robotics, or fears of job loss. But something quietly revolutionary is happening in the high-risk industries — and the numbers are hard to ignore.
According to a study by Deloitte, 60 per cent of business owners believe AI significantly boosts productivity, while 42 per cent agree it helps streamline job processes, making operations more efficient and focused.
But how does the balance work?
Let’s dig deeper and see what the data says.
1. Confined Space Monitoring
In multiple large-scale projects across sectors like oil & gas, mining, or construction, incorporating an AI-powered Confined Space Monitoring using edge AI devices for on-the-source reporting reduces the time-to-report for safety incidents by 85 per cent — thanks to real-time alerts that reach site supervisors instantly.
The output here was in the form of projects attaining 30 per cent less unplanned downtime, as crews didn’t have to halt work for manual inspections or investigations.
2. Fire & smoke detection
After installing a Vision AI-based fire detection system, one offshore client reported zero false fire alarms in three months, with detection speeds under three seconds. Apart from that fugitive emission that often halt operations when go unnoticed in their initial phases saw a sharp decline.
The output secured operations with uninterrupted workflow. Workers focused on task — not on false evacuations or system resets.
3. Fleet management tracking
On a tunnelling project in Southeast Asia, deployed an AI-powered Fleet Management System that helped project managers predict delays and reallocate resources proactively. With automated route optimisation facilities and 24/7 visibility with GPS tracking, the idling hours and poor driving habits can be noted.
The output showcased project timelines improved by 21 per cent, and daily reporting time dropped by over 70 per cent.
4. Behaviour based safety system
By combining Computer Vision with behaviour based safety system, an early intervention on unsafe worker behaviour such as running or jumping, unauthorized grouping, leaning over machinery, skipping designated pedestrian pathways, or smoking in hazardous areas thereby reducing the total recordable incident rate (TRIR).
The output indicated up to 90 per cent reduction in workplace injuries, which directly led to lower insurance claims and increased site uptime.
5. Conversational AI paired with job hazard analysis
Integration of conversational AI chatbots like viGent with Job Hazard Analysis Software helps in safety instrumented function (SIF) with digitised safety checklists, guiding the teams before every specific task.
With pre-built JHA templates, teams can quickly break down tasks, assess risks, assign severity levels, and instantly access updated SOPs all through a conversational interface.
Real-time risk identification, predictive maintenance of equipment and vehicles, incident logging, and hazard trend detection are streamlined with Generative AI, minimising manual inputs and human error.
The output resulted in safety teams 75 per cent reduction in reporting time, freeing them to focus on real-time supervision, faster decision-making, and proactive risk control, all while keeping operations compliant, standardised, and productive.
Safer the site, smarter the output
From confined spaces to control rooms, AI is proving to be more than just a safety net, it’s becoming a strategic enabler of operational excellence. The data points in one direction: fewer incidents, faster reporting, smarter decisions — and ultimately, better business outcomes.
And this shift isn’t happening in silos. From AI video analytics and behaviour based monitoring to Conversational AI and Job Hazard Analysis, technologies once considered futuristic are now the foundation of day-to-day operations across high-risk industries.
Safety doesn’t have to slow down progress when AI systems are designed to learn from risks, they empower teams to build faster, work smarter, and prevent problems before they ever occur.
The bottom line?
AI is not replacing humans — it’s elevating their roles, improving site visibility, and ensuring every safety measure contributes directly to productivity.
So, can AI cut incidents and improve productivity?
The data doesn’t just say yes — it proves it.
Gary Ng is the CEO and Co-Founder of viAct, one of Asia’s top Sustainability-focused AI company that provides “Scenario-based Vision Intelligence” solutions for risk prone workplaces.