Denver — Artificial intelligence is being questioned by many — if not most — attendees here at the American Society of Professionals national conference. And there are more expo vendors than ever to answer the questions, as well as workshop speakers and conversations between peers.

One vendor, speaking not for attribution, said the first question he most often gets from booth visitors is along the lines of: Is AI going to cost me my job? Many professionals have educated themselves to the point they are comfortable with their job security.

The next question is then: How can I leverage AI? Many organizations do not have the safety resources to handle all potential risks on a large enterprise scale. The answer can depend on risk assessments, gap analyses, surveys, data analysis, top level priorities, stunning surprise incidents and more. Answers can involve software platforms, augmented and/or augmented reality training, wearables, cell phone apps, proximity sensors, robotics, chat bots, location geofencing, drones, and much more.

AI can get you to the 80-yard line, says this vendor. The last 20 yards require the human touch. AI is fallible, he says. Images, videos, violations detected, for instance, must be checked and reviewed for accuracy.

What may be feasible in coming years is not the elimination of every and all safety positions, but a reduction in numbers of professionals needed. AI can be a virtual workspace safety “inspector” taking photos and videos and collecting data, but a lead individual must be responsible and accountable. Will OSHA accept records and training that is completely automated, without any safety pro oversight?

There will likely always be “the last 20 yards” that require professional intervention, innovation, responsibility and accountability. But will you need as many safety officers on staff as today? As with many other occupations across industry, AI could be on the way to providing less is more.