More than half of small business leaders are optimistic about the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in improving worker safety in the next five years, according to a recent report from Pie Insurance. The survey, which included over a thousand small business decision-makers, revealed that 64% believe AI will be crucial for workplace safety soon.
The findings show that 81% of these businesses are open to using AI in their daily operations, and 44% are already implementing AI technologies. Carla Woodard, Senior Vice President of Claims at Pie Insurance, highlighted that small businesses often lack the safety resources available to larger companies. She believes AI can help identify and address safety risks proactively.
Among the small businesses currently using AI, an impressive 97% reported increased efficiency, and 73% noted improved safety in the workplace. While the report did not specify which AI tools are being used, Woodard mentioned practical applications like ChatGPT for creating safety checklists and AI-powered surveillance systems that can detect unsafe behaviors in real time.
AI is also being used in telematics to enhance driver safety and in automated safety training, making it easier for employees to learn best practices. The report indicated that 75% of small businesses had reported workplace injuries in the past year, with common incidents including mental health issues, slips and falls, cuts, and repetitive strain injuries.
Looking ahead, Woodard anticipates that AI adoption will continue to grow. She expects tools like predictive analytics to become more accurate, helping businesses foresee hazards and improve emergency response systems. However, she cautioned that the effectiveness of AI tools depends on the quality of the data they are trained on.
Woodard emphasized the importance of balancing AI use with human oversight. Over-relying on AI could create a false sense of security, so clear guidelines for when human judgment is necessary are crucial. Although Pie Insurance has not seen any premium discounts for businesses that use AI in their safety programs, Woodard noted that the technology could ultimately save money by reducing losses and claims.
She urged agents and brokers to recognize that AI can make safety proactive rather than reactive, helping clients predict risks and lower costs. As small businesses embrace AI, the potential for enhanced workplace safety and efficiency looks promising.