Maintaining a safe workplace is a serious responsibility mandated by the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Since the passing of the OSH Act in 1970, safety education and innovation have led to immense improvements like best practices and personal protective equipment. Still, an estimated 2.7 million workers are injured on the job each year.1
The adoption of new technologies like AI-led imagery, telematics and wearables may be the key to future injury prevention. Companies who partner with experienced risk engineering teams to implement these technologies are best positioned for success.
“This collaborative approach to evaluating risk can help companies adjust training, improve equipment usage and update protocols,” says Bobbie Schaefer, director of risk mitigation at The Hartford. “Investing the time and energy into injury prevention using both established methods and emerging technologies, emphasizes a deep commitment to a safe and supported workforce.”
How AI and Connected Devices Are Transforming Workplace Safety
Workplace safety technology and devices offer significant value through the wealth of data collected. Analyzing body motion and stressors, environmental changes and location tracking can help to make improvements in such challenges as ergonomics and processes. This information empowers company risk managers and their carriers to effectively reduce risk activity overall, rather than just focusing on reducing claims.
Three categories of technology currently show significant potential:
- AI-powered imagery: AI-driven cameras can spot and identify potential threats and safety hazards in a variety of situations, including improper equipment use or potential slip-and-fall risks. Imagery technology is beneficial when used as part of a Worker Safety Program within a variety of industries, including manufacturing, real estate, and construction.
- Telematics for fleet and equipment safety: Vehicle and equipment telematics provide carriers with real-time insights into operator behavior, equipment maintenance needs and potential hazards.
- Wearable safety devices: Smart wearables monitor workers’ physical conditions, alerting them to potential injury, fatigue, heat stress or exposure to hazardous environments.
AI Adoption for Risk Mitigation: What Leaders Are Thinking Right Now
Leaders are increasingly turning to AI to boost efficiency and drive innovation. Nearly half of them plan to ramp up their AI usage in the coming year, focusing on areas like hiring and training employees, developing new products and reducing risk.
"IoT is all about creating value for the customer,” says Dan Campany, head of risk services at The Hartford. “It allows us to get a lot of data, and then AI can make sense of that data more quickly."
While many leaders are optimistic about AI's potential, others remain cautious about its impact on their business. Companies can view this uncertainty as an opportunity to enhance their risk management strategies.
It is important to seek partners who can help companies capture essential data to protect their people and operations while effectively managing claims. By leveraging the expertise of these risk partners, companies can navigate this transformative journey with greater confidence and control.
The Business Case for AI-Driven Safety Investments
Organizations investing in AI-powered safety solutions are already seeing these measurable gains:
- Reduced workplace injuries
- Lower cost of claims and compliance costs
- Stronger employee engagement and productivity
While no technology can eliminate all risks, AI, telematics and wearable devices offer new ways to proactively manage workplace safety. As organizations refine their risk management strategies, integrating these tools can be a valuable step towards creating safer, more resilient workplaces.
For more information, contact your Risk Engineering consultant from The Hartford today or visit us online.
1 Occupational Safety and Health Administration, “2024 Annual Report,” viewed May 2026.
