Landscape of artificial intelligence use for occupational health and safety practice in two Canadian provinces

BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence (AI) can modernize occupational health and safety (OHS) practice and provide solutions to the most complex health and safety challenges. Empirical data on firm-level AI utilization in OHS practice remain limited. The objective of this study was to examine AI use for OHS and firm-level descriptive and OHS characteristics associated with AI use. METHODS: A total of 810 OHS professionals in British Columbia and Ontario, Canada were surveyed in the summer of 2024. Surveys asked about firm-level AI use for OHS and items asked about descriptive and OHS characteristics. Participants were also asked about perceived AI concerns and OHS impact. A multivariate logistic regression model was fitted to examine factors associated with firm-level AI use for OHS. RESULTS: In total, 29% reported firm-level AI use for OHS. Larger-sized firms and those with hybrid work arrangements had a greater odds of AI use for OHS. Also, firms with high workplace hazard exposure had a greater odds of AI OHS use. More positive perceptions of AI's impact on OHS were associated with firm-level AI use for OHS. CONCLUSIONS: AI use for OHS may be concentrated among hazardous firms and those with the conditions to support technological adoption. Research examining AI's effectiveness in OHS settings is needed to guide evidence-based implementation in occupational health practice