Tom Goodmanson, CEO of EcoOnline, highlights AI as the most significant recent advancement driving a shift towards proactive and predictive safety. The maturation of AI allows for real-time, connected data to be incredibly useful, moving the industry beyond mere compliance to actual prediction and prevention of incidents.

In a podcast with ISHN, Goodmanson said he envisions a future where a predictive safety ecosystem is built upon both cultural and technological shifts.

He also discussed how to ensure data accuracy and addressed privacy concerns:

• Choosing the right technology: Organizations must select reliable technologies with high-quality sensors and vetted platforms to ensure data accuracy.
• Data triangulation: Once data is collected, it's crucial to triangulate it with multiple sources to confirm its quality and reliability, preventing data overload.
• Transparency and trust: To address privacy concerns and build employee trust, safety technology must be built with transparency. Clear communication about how data is used to help and protect workers, rather than for surveillance, fosters psychological safety and employee acceptance. Employees should view these tools as helpers, not "Big Brother."

Other topics of interest in the podcast include overcoming implementation hurdles, empowering workers with communication, and best practices for training.

Listen to the entire episode to learn more about what Goodmanson has to say on predictive safety and AI.