ChatGPT and Artificial Intelligence/AI Cannot Replace Safety Professionals
I was up and on Zoom at the crack of dawn (6:30 a.m. CST) today to participate in an international conversation based overseas hosted by safety expert Christian Harris, a slipologist of Slip Safety Services in London, England, UK.
Several of my fellow safety experts discussed the pros and cons of this new tool as it relates to keeping people and businesses safe and secure from our position as safety professionals in different industries worldwide.
My input was a warning to clients who think they can bypass safety experts by copying and pasting from Open.ai’s ChatGPT (and any other AI tool)as a solution for safety experts providing safe practices, policies, and procedures.
That is dangerous because, as impressive as this resource is, it cannot replace our long-time subject matter experience, knowledge, expertise, and lived experience.
The information provided must still be vetted for accuracy. Knowing ChaptGPT’s knowledge stopped in 2021, a safety expert must ensure that the information and rules are up-to-date, relevant, and applicable to the specific client, location, and circumstances.
A big part of using these new AI tools is in the asking. The proper “prompts” will produce the best results. Experienced safety professionals need to know the best way to phrase the question to get the best response.
I also stressed that if there were to be litigation regarding a safety issue, ChatGPT could not take the witness stand on organizations’ and companies’ behalf to defend them. Furthermore, as a defense, it would be hard to point to AI as the best source for safety and security policies that save lives and keep clients safe and their business and client info secure.
However, knowing that AI will not replace safety professionals, safety professionals with AI knowledge and expertise may very well replace otherwise equally qualified professionals.
Just as we adapted from handwriting to typing, to word processing, to computing now, from encyclopedias and dictionaries to online searches and research, we must evolve and utilize the tools that can make us more efficient and better.
I have completed creating training programs teaching about the dangers of AI and deepfakes. Although these tools are amazing, more than focusing on business-building and fun features are required. We must look at the big picture, the good and the bad.
Are you on board with the new AI tools????
