Automation and AI Recognized as Essential for Enhancing Workplace Safety
Recent findings from workplace safety authority Rapid Global highlight a significant gap in perspectives between UK managers and frontline employees regarding the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on enhancing workplace safety. Although almost half of managers (47%) express confidence in their businesses’ readiness for AI integration, a mere 16% of employees echo that sentiment.
The research, carried out in August 2025 across six vital sectors; such as construction, logistics, and manufacturing reveals an increasing sense of optimism among leadership teams, yet also notable apprehension among employees anticipated to utilize the tools on a daily basis.
Managers Push for Digitalization, Workers Lag in Adoption
The Rapid Global UK Workplace Safety Report 2025 reveals that more than a third (36%) of managers are convinced that AI has the potential to mitigate safety risks, in contrast to only 16% of workers who share this belief. In a striking contrast, 32% of managers assert that their organizations have integrated AI into safety protocols, yet a mere 8% of frontline workers report any observable signs of its implementation.
These gaps highlight a persistent issue with perception. Despite the push from decision-makers for automation to improve compliance and minimize incidents, a significant number of employees continue to rely on manual systems. Almost 25% of employees acknowledge that their companies continue to depend on traditional paper methods for onboarding, attendance tracking, and documentation.
Outdated Habits Continue to Slow Digital Transformation
A study revealed that 29% of employees feel that “old habits” are hindering the adoption of technology in their work environments. This reluctance frequently arises from insufficient familiarity with practical AI tools or a lack of understanding regarding how automation integrates into everyday tasks.
A significant portion of respondents, specifically one-third (33%), expressed a desire for increased education on the ways AI can enhance safety outcomes. Meanwhile, nearly a quarter (24%) acknowledged that they do not completely grasp AI’s role. For organizations, the difficulty resides in closing this knowledge gap while showcasing concrete advantages from digital systems.
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The Practical Side of AI in Workplace Safety
Rapid Global’s report emphasizes that the adoption of AI in the workplace focuses on established, task-oriented tools like computer vision, facial recognition, and cloud-based compliance systems, rather than generative models or chatbots.
These technologies have the potential to automate hazard detection, streamline incident reporting, and enhance safety analytics—enabling teams to respond more swiftly while ensuring human oversight remains intact. Nonetheless, as highlighted in the report, achieving success hinges on empowering workers and engaging them as collaborators in the transformation process, rather than viewing them as mere recipients of new systems.
Insights from Authorities on Fostering Trust and Involvement
Paul Rapuano, Global Strategic Partnerships Manager at Rapid Global, emphasized that the findings indicate the necessity of combining technology adoption with empathy and inclusion.
“Businesses have a genuine chance to derive measurable benefits from practical applications of AI, such as computer vision,” Rapuano stated. “However, achieving success requires a commitment to education, ensuring that adoption recognizes workers as engaged collaborators rather than mere participants.”
Dr. Andrew Sharman, CEO of the International Institute for Leadership and Safety Culture, echoed this sentiment:
“The true potential of AI is in liberating individuals to concentrate on what is truly important: compassion, dialogue, and significant discussions regarding safety,” he stated. “Technology should complement, rather than substitute, the human element that characterizes exceptional safety cultures.”
Key Findings from the Rapid Global Survey
- According to recent findings, 36% of managers hold the view that AI mitigates risks, in contrast to just 16% of employees.
- Nearly half of managers believe their business is prepared for AI, while a mere 16% of employees share that sentiment.
- Nearly a quarter of employees report that their companies continue to rely on traditional paper-based safety systems.
- A significant portion of the workforce, 33%, expresses a desire for increased education on artificial intelligence, while 24% admit to lacking clarity on its function.
- 22% of employees express concerns related to safety, with this figure increasing to 37% for individuals aged 25–34.
Bridging Divides via Learning and Inclusion
Rapid Global’s report ends with a strong appeal to UK businesses: enhance education, invest in cohesive AI-driven platforms, and involve employees in creating safer digital work environments.
Rapuano emphasizes, “Companies that take immediate action to adopt AI-driven, integrated safety systems will reduce risk, safeguard their workforce, and enhance resilience, but this can only be achieved by involving their employees in the process.”
The Rapid Global UK Workplace Safety Report 2025 is now accessible for download on the company’s website, providing comprehensive insights for safety managers and business leaders aiming to navigate the intersection of innovation and trust in the age of AI.
