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AI and workplace safety: progress, risks and what to do if you are injured

View profile for Danielle Callaway
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Can artificial intelligence replace my solicitor?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries worldwide, and workplace safety is no exception. In the UK, where over 500,000 non-fatal workplace injuries occur annually, businesses are increasingly turning to AI to reduce risks and improve employee well-being. But how effective is AI in preventing accidents and what new challenges does it introduce?

The state of workplace accidents in the UK

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), musculoskeletal disorders affected 543,000 workers in 2023/24, leading to 7.8 million lost working days. Slips, trips, and falls remain among the most common causes of injury, while high-risk sectors like logistics and construction continue to report significant incident rates.
(Source: HSE Annual Statistics, published 20 November 2024)

AI adoption across UK sectors

AI is being deployed in several ways:

  • Computer vision systems to detect unsafe behaviours in real time.
  • Predictive analytics to anticipate hazards before accidents occur.
  • Autonomous equipment control in manufacturing and logistics.

Adoption snapshot

  • Construction: 78% of workers trust AI to improve safety; 38% believe it can predict accidents.
    (Source: SafetyCulture survey, published 28 April 2025) [buildersme...news.co.uk]
  • Logistics & Manufacturing: 34% of managers report AI in safety systems, but only 8% of workers recognise it.
    (Source: Rapid Global Workplace Safety Report, published 22 October 2025) [logisticsit.com]
  • Retail (Marks & Spencer): AI-driven warehouse monitoring has cut accidents by 80%.
    (Source: Protex AI case study, published 2025) [protex.ai]

AI vs accident reduction: What the data shows

Key insights:

  • Construction: High trust and adoption, but modest reduction (38%)—suggesting early-stage implementation.
  • Logistics & Manufacturing: Lower adoption (34%) and smaller reduction (15%)—likely due to complexity and cost barriers.
  • Retail: A standout success—AI adoption around 60% with 80% accident reduction.

Emerging risks and regulatory guidance

While AI offers clear benefits, it also introduces new risks:

  • Overreliance on automation reducing human vigilance.
  • Deskilling of staff as AI takes over tasks.
  • Data privacy and security concerns from workplace monitoring.
  • Opaque decision-making in complex AI systems.

The HSE advises that AI-related risks should be managed like any other workplace hazard, requiring risk assessments and controls “so far as reasonably practicable.”
(Source: HSE AI Regulatory Guidance, published June 2025)

What to do if you are injured as a result of AI

If you suffer an injury caused by AI or automated systems in the workplace:

  1. Seek medical attention immediately and ensure the incident is documented.
  2. Report the accident to your employer under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations).
  3. Request a copy of the risk assessment for the AI system involved.
  4. Contact your trade union or legal adviser for guidance on compensation and liability.
  5. Notify the HSE if the incident involves serious harm or a system failure that could affect others.

Employers remain legally responsible for workplace safety, even when AI systems are in use.

AI is a powerful tool for improving workplace safety when combined with robust governance and employee training. Businesses that invest in AI-driven safety systems can expect fewer accidents, lower costs, and a stronger safety culture, provided they address the ethical and operational challenges head-on. If you have experienced a workplace related accident due to AI, please contact our specialist solicitors today on 0161 696 6235 or via our enquiry form.

Sources and publication dates

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