Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping global manufacturing, redefining what productivity, efficiency and competitiveness look like. Here, Chris Newson, Environment, Health & Safety Director, Make UK, looks at the potential of AI in health, safety and wellbeing.

The majority of manufacturers believe AI represents a net gain for the UK economy. The Shape of British Industry[i] report found that 78% of respondents think rapid and widespread AI adoption will increase Britain’s global competitiveness, while only 22% believe it will burden industry with more costs.

This optimism stands out. It suggests that industry leaders see AI not simply as a tool, but as a strategic necessity, which is critical for competing with global manufacturing businesses which are already investing aggressively in automation, advanced analytics and digital factories. Importantly, this confidence persists even though many businesses are still early in their AI journey. Manufacturers appear to accept that initial investment may be high, but the longer‑term gains (productivity, efficiency, quality and innovation) are too significant ignore.

Manufacturers were equally clear about the benefits they expect from AI. The dominant advantage, selected by 65%, is increased productivity, an area where the UK lags behind its international competitors.

One overlooked area of increasing AI uptake is health & safety, where the promise of significant productivity gains arises from being able to manage health and safety across an entire organisation in one integrated platform.

The need to manage health, safety and wellbeing across organisations is becoming increasingly important. There is clear evidence that managing these effectively and across an organisation from top to bottom is just as crucial to boosting productivity as any other business investment.

There are six key areas where AI can aid health, safety and wellbeing: risk assessments, incident reporting, fire and electrical safety, construction, training and competency, and PPE detection. AI tools offer real-time information, audit trails, automated reminders and professional reporting, all of which can be managed across multiple sites via a single account using a phone or tablet. AI can also integrate regular legislation updates and fast guidance on what is required with either template or customisable forms.

However, as with many other aspects of business change, the introduction of radical change into any business process will require careful management and involve buy in from the whole workforce. For example, using AI to involve PPE detection and camera-based monitoring will need to be done in a way that doesn’t make employees fearful that ‘big brother’ is watching and reassures them its for their safety.

The way to avoid this, like any other business process, is to ensure there is buy in across the business from top to bottom and that all processes are managed and monitored effectively. The benefits from AI in managing health, safety and wellbeing both as a contributor to boosting productivity, business performance and for maintaining a safe and healthy workforce are becoming clear.

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