The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) has published a research report examining how organisations are adopting artificial intelligence within environmental health and safety (EHS) operations.
The report, titled “Trust, Ethics and Governance: How Safety Leaders Are Thinking About and Using AI”, draws on responses from nearly 1,000 safety professionals surveyed between 6 July and 2 August 2026.
Majority of organisations exploring AI adoption
The research found that 86% of respondents were either exploring AI applications or integrating the technology into established EHS operations.
Of these respondents, 66% had begun their AI journey within the previous two years.
Applications identified included incident analysis, predictive analytics, report development, tailored training, automated compliance, resource management and monitoring systems.
Investment and data quality remain barriers
Despite increasing adoption, respondents identified several challenges affecting implementation.
Limited investment was the most frequently reported barrier, cited by 74% of respondents, followed by data quality concerns at 62%.
A further 59% identified insufficient organisational ownership or prioritisation, while 55% reported concerns about trust, confidence, data privacy, security or bias.
The research also found that organisational culture, ethical considerations and data quality influence AI adoption.
Training was associated with improved knowledge and confidence among safety professionals.
Human oversight remains essential
Monique Parker, CSP, President, ASSP, said: “While many safety professionals are using AI to support better decision-making and address real-world EHS challenges, human oversight remains essential.
“AI does not change our fundamental responsibility to protect people, property and the environment through EHS practices.
“This is why ASSP is meeting safety professionals where they are on their AI journey with several resources and programs to help address barriers to implementation, including the Applied AI for EHS Certificate with the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the AI in EHS: A Practical Framework for Responsible Adoption course.”
Findings to inform future guidance
The survey findings will inform ASSP’s Standards Based User Group on AI in Safety, which will examine implementation barriers and evaluate practical solutions.
The research was funded through support from the ASSP Foundation.
