Occupational Health and Safety Technicians

Occupational health and safety technicians still do a lot of hands-on work. They test work areas for hazards (like radiation or chemical exposure) and keep detailed records ^[1]. Today many of these tasks are aided by technology – for example, sites may use electronic monitoring devices for noise or air quality and computerized systems to log safety data – but there is little evidence that AI fully does the job on its own.

In our research we didn’t find any widely used AI tools that replace a technician’s judgment for these tasks. For instance, technicians still personally inspect fire suppression systems and calibrate equipment ^[1]. Even when tools collect data, a human must interpret it and take action.

Tasks that involve decision-making – like evaluating a worker’s safety complaint or providing safety consultations – rely heavily on human judgment ^{[1] [1]}. In short, technology and software help with data gathering and recordkeeping, but we found no examples of AI completely taking over an OHS technician’s core duties.

Several factors affect how quickly AI might be adopted in this field. On one hand, some industries (like energy or manufacturing) have begun using drones and smart sensors to spot hazards in hard-to-reach places. This can speed up routine checks, especially for very dangerous jobs.

Big companies with tight safety budgets may pay for advanced monitoring equipment. On the other hand, many safety tasks still require close human oversight. For example, techs often must review equipment orders or safety plans and ensure they meet legal standards ^[1].

These judgment-based tasks are hard to automate. Also, safety rules and regulations are strict, so firms may be cautious about trusting new AI tools without lots of testing. Cost is another factor: sophisticated AI systems can be expensive, and if labor costs are low, companies may delay buying them.

In short, adoption tends to be steady but not explosive. AI and digital tools can make some work easier, but inspectors and technicians with their real-world experience remain essential ^{[1] [1]}. This means young people entering the field can expect to use more technology in support of their work, but their human skills (no-nonsense problem solving, communication, and ethics) will still be very valuable for the foreseeable future.