Businesses in NSW can now manage their workplace health and safety risks better thanks to a new digital tool made by the State Government. 

The NSW Centre for Work Health and Safety is currently developing an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Risk Management Tool, which is set to aid local businesses upon its introduction and usage to the public. 

The Centre for Work Health and Safety’s Director Skye Buatava stated that around 70 per cent of Australian companies are expected to adopt at least one type of AI technology by 2030.

This meant that, although AI could provide efficient and beneficial solutions to a company’s challenges, adopting such technology would also open up new problems and possibilities of increased work health and safety risks that could negatively affect workers.

“We are conducting further research to establish evidence-based actions that businesses can take to help address identified risks while developing a user-friendly AI WHS Risk Management Tool,” Director Buatava said. 

The Centre has instigated two studies that identified over 50 risks to guide the development of the new digital tool. The “Trusting artificial intelligence at work” study, which was done in partnership with Charles Sturt University, examined how businesses can trust new processes.

The Centre also partnered up with the University of South Australia for the “Ethical use of artificial intelligence in the workplace” study, exploring the ethical use of AI at work.

“WHS risks were found to be present throughout the planning, implementation and continued use of AI technology, and it is crucial that we understand these risks now and provide guidance to businesses before AI becomes mainstream,” Director Buatava said. 

“So far we have consulted with more than 80 experts from business, government and academia – the feedback and planning we are undertaking now will go a long way to ensuring workplace safety as the technology becomes available.”

Source: NSW Government Media Release. Content has been edited for style and length.

Eliza Sayon

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Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.

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