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Regional ERC Symposium, April 4-6, 2024
The Regional Education Research Center (ERC) Symposium took place on April 5, 2024, bringing together students and faculty from the University of Cincinnati, University of Illinois Chicago, University of Kentucky, University of Michigan, and University of Minnesota ERCs to discuss use of artificial intelligence in occupational health and safety.
Overview
On April 4, 2024, University of Cincinnati (UC) ERC students and faculty attended a networking event with the other ERCs. On April 5, UC ERC students and faculty attended the Midwest Regional ERC Symposium hosted by the University of Illinois at Chicago Great Lakes Center for Occupational Health and Safety, followed by artificial intelligence lab tours the next day (April 6). In addition, UC students presented posters at the symposium.
Posters presented by the UC ERC students included;
Group photo of symposium attendees
Session 1 Introduction to AI/Machine Learning
Kyle Siefert & John Singletary
On Friday, April 5th, 2024, University of Cincinnati students attended the Midwest Regional ERC Symposium hosted by the University of Illinois Chicago. The overall topic of the conference was the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the future of occupational safety and health (OSH). Dr. Houshang Darabi started the day with a talk on what AI is and how OSH professionals play a role in developing it for the workplace. Dr. Darabi began by showing that AI is a fast-growing field and there has been an increased use of AI in published studies. He then broke down AI into its fundamental components. In short, AI works by perceiving the work environment through sensors, which then feeds into an algorithm which in turn results in an action.
Dr. Darabi highlighted some areas where the use of AI is beneficial. AI should be used in scenarios where humans cannot make quick judgments, to solve complex problems, when a decision requires the use of vast amounts of data, and when the work environment is unsafe to adequately gauge. AI also has the benefit of continuous real-time assessments across the workplace. To ensure that an AI system is properly implemented, OSH professionals need to remain hands-on through its development. OSH professionals will then need to assess the system once it is completed and make adjustments. The AI system is only as strong as its algorithm, thus OSH professionals need to continue to trust their expertise when making critical decisions about the work environment.
Dr. Darabi and many other speakers highlighted the benefits of the use of AI in the workplace. While privacy concerns were adequately covered, some additional concerns were mentioned during the question and answer sessions, more work needs to be done to address these concerns. One of the biggest concerns was the potential for these AI systems to be abused. Take for example, it was mentioned that AI can be used to help let workers know to correct their posture or to even alert them when they are entering an area where additional PPE is required. It was casually mentioned that the videos can be edited and deleted some portions. If that is the case, could videos be edited in such a way that an employee never seems to be using proper ergonomic postures, could this then be used to deny worker compensation claims, and if so to what extent? There is currently no precedent for this and therefore, no regulations or laws protecting workers from abuse of this technology. When considering all the facts and potential for abuse, we must work to help develop legislation and/or regulations to preemptively protect worker rights.
Session 2 Panel Discussion on AI/OSH
Angela Theil & Afton Erbe
The University of Illinois Chicago held the Education Research Center regional symposium on using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH). The second session included a panel discussion on four different topic areas. The first was from Dr. Jun Wang on AI applications in Industrial Hygiene. He highlighted that most of the AI applications involved data processing, hazard recognition, and decision-making. For example, using image recognition of hazards in real-time gives employees immediate feedback and warnings.
The next speaker, Elizabeth Fisher spoke on the ethics of AI in OSH. She focused on the worry about job displacement with AI among many employees, especially among low-wage and immigrant workers. Those who are not technically advanced or do not have access to this new technology could be at a disadvantage. She also highlighted the potential bias and discrimination coded into some of the decision-making algorithms, such as automated hiring processes and facial recognition of racial-ethnic minorities.
The third speaker was Dr. Salah Issa who spoke on the use of AI in agricultural safety. After describing the history of farm machinery and specifically on tractor rollover injuries, he described the new automated farm equipment, such as tractors, weeders, harvesters, and even pressure washers. With these new machines comes an increase in other hazards. For example, Dr. Issa described a robot that ran the harvest lines bringing the produce back to a central location. However, since farmworkers don’t have to walk their harvest load to empty it anymore, they spend 90% of their day in a bent-over position which increases ergonomic harm.
The final speaker was Steve Thompson from the United States Steel Corporation. He demonstrated how cameras are being used for OSH. For example, they are using a product called WorkVis which detects whether an employee is wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). This application can give immediate feedback to the employee as well as escalate to the supervisor if the employee is not following proper safety procedures. This program can also generate insights and reports highlighting gaps in safety training.
Many questions arose after the panel discussion centering on the impact of these new AI technologies on workers. Will AI cameras and image recognition be used to deny worker compensation claims? Will farmers in rural areas have adequate internet access to use these new technologies? Will these new technologies have negative impacts on different socioeconomic levels, especially blue-collar workers? These types of questions allow for and encourage future evaluation and research to further determine how AI can be successfully and sustainably utilized in OSH.
Keynote Jay Vietas Emerging Technologies
Victoria Stotzer & Xinyi Niu
Jay Vietas, Chief of the Emerging Technology Branch, delivered a presentation titled “Emerging Technology and Artificial Intelligence: Impact on Health and Safety” in this symposium. As Louis Pasteur wrote, “In the field of observation, chance favors only the prepared mind.” While Pasteur did not have industrial hygienists (IH) and occupational health and safety (OSH) professionals in mind when he spoke on being prepared, the quotation irrefutably describes OSH. OSH experts, with guidance from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), strive to create safer and healthier workers and work environments. The focus on worker safety and health can become exponentially challenging as emerging technologies develop and change. Regulations of new technologies can be lacking and the front-line OSH experts are left to fill in the gap. Therefore, as Pasteur said, we must prepare to succeed, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one emerging technology that has received upwards of 276 billion dollars of investment from corporations within recent years. Within the realm of OSH, AI has been used to autocode workers’ compensation claims, visualize or categorize large amounts of data, and improve firefighter reporting systems. However, incorporating AI into IH practices necessitates successfully capturing diverse scenarios across organizational hierarchies.
One important fact has become clear to OSH and IH professionals; AI must be used as a tool in conjunction with other OSH techniques and can never replace the human component that is crucial to worker safety and health. Regardless of how AI is being used, ethical concerns have been raised surrounding AI. A primary concern is the continual monitoring of employees and how AI affects worker privacy as well as unintended biases built into the decision-making processes of AI. With AI firmly established, the pertinent query arises: are we ready for it?
Workshop on AI and Machine Learning in Occupational Safety and Health
Dickson Rungere, Ryan Bellacov & Onyinye Ezeifeka
AI is increasingly becoming part of many workplace operations. AI technology can make processes more efficient, organize work patterns more effectively, and identify hazards. The workshop followed a one-hour lecture by Professor Houshang Darabi - the Principal Investigator at the Workers Safety AI Lab at the University of Illinois Chicago, highlighting AI's role in OSH. Participants of this workshop were students and faculty representing five prominent ERCs and were divided into groups based on their expertise (e.g., industrial hygieine, safety, occupational epidemiology, and occupational medicine and nursing). The primary emphasis of the AI conference is that every project, whether a simple demonstration or collaboration between multiple disciplines, takes a team.
Prof. Darabi Explaining the Workshop Tasks and Procedures
These teams brainstormed AI-driven solutions to OSH challenges. Leveraging their collective expertise and the tools provided by AI, participants engaged in collaborative hands-on problem-solving exercises, fostering creativity and critical thinking. All the participants explored real-world OSH scenarios, applying AI to predict and mitigate hazards.
Participants during the Workshop
These groups showcased their projects featuring AI and machine learning (ML) methodologies to identify, predict, and mitigate potential hazards in diverse occupational settings. The conference had ten workshop teams comprising disciplines such as industrial hygiene, occupational medicine, occupational health nursing, and safety. One of my favorites was AI tracking worker wellness on an organic strawberry farm.
Group 5 representative presenting their topic
Key takeaways from this workshop include the transformative potential of AI in enhancing workplace safety, the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, and the necessity of embracing AI as integral to safety management systems. The workshop emphasized a culture of continuous learning and adaptation in OSH practices, demonstrating the importance of staying ahead of evolving challenges.
In conclusion, the Workshop on AI and Machine Learning in Occupational Safety and Health was an eye-opener on using intelligent systems to ensure workplace safety. By leveraging AI and ML technologies, organizations/institutions can navigate complex safety problems, fostering safer and more resilient workplaces for all.
Student and PPRT poster session
Joseph Ondari Nyakundi & Efosa Obariase
One of the highlights of the symposium was the engaging poster session, where attendees had the opportunity to explore a diverse range of research projects, initiatives, and innovations aimed at promoting health and safety in the workplace. A total of 15 posters were thoughtfully curated, representing contributions from five prominent universities in the Midwest. The poster session provided a platform for researchers and students to showcase their work and exchange ideas with fellow attendees.
The posters featured an array of engaging presentations, each shedding light on diverse aspects of occupational safety and hygiene. From ergonomics in healthcare to machine learning solutions for injury prevention, attendees explored cutting-edge research and practical strategies. Notably, discussions also delved into mental health challenges faced by veterinarians and the evolving landscape of 3D printing safety. Overall, the session provided an extensive and informative exploration of current trends in the field, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding workers’ well-being. Some posters delved into the realm of ergonomic interventions aimed at minimizing workplace injuries and improving employee comfort and productivity. Researchers presented innovative designs for ergonomic workstations, tools, and equipment tailored to specific industries and job roles. By addressing ergonomic challenges proactively, these interventions have the potential to enhance both employee health and organizational performance. Recognizing the importance of mental health in the workplace, many posters focused on strategies for promoting psychological well-being and resilience among employees. Researchers showcased various approaches to fostering a supportive and mentally healthy work environment. These initiatives underscored the need for comprehensive occupational health and safety programs that address not only physical hazards but also psychological stressors. Also, several posters highlighted the role of wearable devices, sensors, data analytics, and artificial intelligence in monitoring environmental hazards, detecting potential risks, and preventing accidents. By harnessing the power of technology, organizations can gain real-time insights into safety performance and implement proactive measures to mitigate risks effectively.
The poster session offered valuable insights and inspiration for addressing the evolving challenges of workplace well-being. The poster presentations showcased the diversity and ingenuity of efforts aimed at creating safer and healthier work environments. By continuing to collaborate, share knowledge, and embrace emerging technologies, we can build a future where every worker can thrive in a safe and healthy workplace environment.
Lagunitas Brewery tour
Judith Arthur & Mercy Omoifo-Irefo
The Lagunitas Brewery was established in 1993 by Petaluma. It is a subsidiary of Heineken and it’s among the topmost breweries in the United States producing quality beer. The Lagunitas Brewery has approximatly 85 workers covering three shifts. This Brewery was visited on April 5th. We were received by the health and safety personnel who acted as our tour guide. The Lagunitas Brewery had four major divisions namely the warehouse, packaging unit, maintenance, and production unit. The major raw material used for beer production was grain which was stored in large silos for later milling and fermentation with yeast.
Three major hazards were common at the Brewery. The first hazard was associated with grain storage and milling. This process was highly combustible due to the production of grain dust thus to prevent explosions, the production unit had been fitted with sensors to determine leaks from the mills. Work processes had also been modified to eliminate hot work from being performed close to the mills. The unit had been fitted with extinguishers and sprinklers to douse down fires in the event of a fire. The fire service department was occasionally engaged to perform fire risk assessments and drills for the unit. The second hazard was ergonomic injuries among the warehouse workers involved in manual handling (i.e., lifting and moving kegs and cases) and the third hazard was chemical injuries. Chemical injuries were mainly controlled through the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the administrative measures of training. Other hazards that were identified included noise and poor housekeeping (involving combustible pallets left unattended at the production unit). PPEs and job rotation were among the control measures employed to reduce noise.
The Brewery was concerned with maintaining and conserving the environment and this they did through recycling of their end products. Thermal heat, carbon dioxide, and hot water produced were harnessed and reused in the production process. Their safety systems had been updated and they had received all the necessary permits and certifications for their boilers and pressure vessels from the Environmental Protection Agency. We were particularly impressed with their safety evacuation plan for work done in confined spaces and their overall positive safety culture.
AI lab tours
Amour Dondi & Hannah Frame
On Saturday, April 6, 2024, Dr. Sam Hartford led the team on a tour through the University of Illinois Artificial Intelligence (AI) laboratory, located in the University of Illinois Chicago Public Health building. This tour focused on five main applications of AI: drones, wearables (FitBits, Apple Watches, etc.), load classification, image bounding related to personal protective equipment (PPE) use, and continuous image classification. Each station showcased the potential for AI to positively impact the health and safety culture of various industries, particularly in the health sector. The drone station showcased how drones are capable of analyzing vast regions of information by using cameras and other sensors (thermal, chemical, etc.). A specific example was shown in agriculture, where a team of workers would not be able to traverse several acres to analyze crop patterns, but a drone could easily complete this task in a matter of hours. Not only does this reduce the time needed to complete tasks, but workers may be able to focus on other tasks during this time. The wearable station focused on real-time sensor feedback in terms of heart rate, step count, and blood pressure. These sensors are commonly available and used. The Activity Load Classification station used an Exosuit to analyze the weight distribution of a task. This showcased AI being integrated into an existing technology (an Exosuit), demonstrating how AI can be integrated to improve existing processes. The Image Bounding Box Classification showed applications of AI in alerting workers to wear PPE and showed a “PPE Warning” if a worker was not wearing the appropriate safety vest. The continuous image classification was presented as a self-check that may alert employees if they have poor posture, or if it is time to stand up. The UC group is very grateful to the UIC AI lab for taking us through the knowledge and existing technologies that surround AI.
Thank you to the University of Illinois at Chicago group for hosting the Annual Regional Symposium and inviting our students and faculty to tour AI labs.