The National Safety Council was founded by the Ministry of Labour and Employment of the Government of India on March 4, 1996, as a self-financing non-governmental agency. The National Safety Council was founded in 2000 as a public trust according to the Bombay Public Trust Act of 1950. National Safety Day was declared in 1972, coinciding with the establishment of the National Safety Council. Since then, the day has been commemorated annually.

National Safety Day aims to raise awareness about the significance of safety in businesses and communities. It prompts prioritising safety protocols to avoid accidents, injuries, and deaths. Recently, incorporating AI has become a powerful tool for improving safety measures in different industries.

AI has transformed safety management systems by analyzing large volumes of data and recognizing patterns. AI's significant impact on safety lies in its use of predictive analytics. AI systems can predict possible hazards and risks by evaluating historical data and real-time inputs, enabling enterprises to take proactive preventive actions.

AI-driven technologies like computer vision and machine learning are being used for surveillance and monitoring. The systems can identify hazardous actions or situations in work environments, building sites, and communal areas, promptly notifying authorities or employees to take action and avert accidents.

AI-powered robots and automation are essential in dangerous areas where human involvement could be risky. AI-enabled robots can perform duties like inspection, maintenance, and handling hazardous materials, minimizing the risk of human workers being exposed to life-threatening conditions.

AI helps with preventive safety measures and enables quick reaction and emergency management. AI systems can assess data during emergencies, including natural disasters or industrial accidents, to improve rescue operations and allocate resources effectively.

Nevertheless, the incorporation of AI in safety protocols also gives rise to ethical and societal issues. Concerns exist about privacy violations caused by widespread surveillance and data gathering conducted by AI systems. Transparency and accountability are essential in creating and implementing AI algorithms to guarantee that they prioritize safety while upholding fundamental human rights.

AI applications play a crucial role in honouring and improving safety practices.

• Predictive Analytics involves using AI algorithms to examine past data to predict potential safety concerns and dangers. AI helps to proactively address safety issues by recognizing patterns and trends, reducing the chances of accidents and injuries.
• Real-time Monitoring: AI-driven surveillance systems consistently oversee workplaces, public areas, and industrial locations to detect safety violations and dangerous situations. The systems quickly identify irregularities and notify appropriate authorities, allowing for fast action to avoid accidents and safeguard the welfare of individuals.
• Occupational Health and Safety is monitored by AI-enabled wearables and sensors that measure workers' health data and movements in real-time. AI helps maintain ideal working conditions and reduces workplace injuries by identifying indicators of exhaustion, tension, or risky actions.
• Optimizing emergency response involves using AI to examine real-time data streams for situation assessment and response enhancement. AI enables more efficient and effective response tactics by offering actionable insights and resource allocation recommendations, ultimately saving lives and minimizing losses.
• AI-driven virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) simulations offer immersive training for safety procedures and emergency response protocols. These simulations enable individuals to rehearse safety practices in lifelike circumstances, improving their readiness to manage possible dangers efficiently.
• AI technology in transportation, such as autonomous vehicles and traffic control systems, improves road safety. AI systems can forecast and avert accidents by examining traffic patterns, identifying possible collisions, and optimizing vehicle routes to ensure safer trips.
• AI-powered environmental monitoring systems analyze air quality, water pollution, and natural catastrophe data to evaluate environmental risks and safeguard public health. AI helps reduce the effects of ecological dangers on communities by giving early warnings and practical insights.
• AI technologies help firms ensure regulatory compliance by automating safety audits, inspections, and reporting processes. AI assists organizations in maintaining a culture of safety and accountability by assuring compliance with safety standards and regulations.

Conclusion

On National Safety Day, it is crucial to acknowledge the significant impact of AI on improving safety standards. Utilizing AI technologies responsibly and ethically can help provide safer conditions for workers, communities, and the environment. Promoting cooperation among stakeholders, such as governments, industries, and AI developers, is crucial to utilise AI to ensure complete safety and well-being. Furthermore, we can create a future where AI-driven innovation and safety work together to minimize accidents and safeguard lives.