Why AI Alone Can't Keep Young Workers Safe on the Job
As AI tools become part of everyday work, employers are using technology to detect hazards and strengthen training—but true protection for young and inexperienced workers still requires awareness, communication, and a strong safety culture.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- Dec 05, 2025
Artificial intelligence is rapidly entering workplaces across the country, shaping how employers identify risks and how workers report concerns. For young workers—many of whom are stepping into their first jobs- these tools can offer new layers of protection. But AI is only part of the solution. The foundation of workplace safety still relies on awareness, communication, and action.
Young employees often face some of the most common and preventable hazards on the job: slipping or falling, lifting heavy items, being struck by objects, or dealing with aggressive customers or animals. While AI can help spot trends in these incidents, flag risky behaviors, or highlight problem areas in a facility, it cannot replace human judgment or the responsibility of employers to maintain safe conditions.
For workers, especially teens, learning how to recognize hazards and speak up remains crucial. AI reporting portals and safety apps make it easier than ever to flag concerns, but individuals must still decide to use them and speak up when something feels unsafe. Many state agencies, including the Washington Department of Labor & Industries, allow workers to file safety complaints anonymously online—an important option for younger employees who may feel hesitant to speak up.
Employers, meanwhile, are increasingly using AI-driven tools to analyze injury patterns, identify hotspots in workflow, or refine safety training based on real-world data. These technologies can greatly enhance traditional safety programs, but they do not eliminate the need for hands-on supervision, clear expectations, and quick action when hazards are identified. AI can support safer workplaces, but employers remain accountable for creating them.
Parents also play a powerful role. As teens navigate their first jobs, conversations at home about safety, workplace rights, and how to recognize dangerous situations can make a significant difference. Encouraging young workers to trust their instincts—and to report unsafe conditions when necessary—helps reinforce the idea that speaking up is not only allowed but expected.
AI may help accelerate hazard detection and improve training for young workers, but it works best when paired with human awareness and a strong safety culture. Protecting new and vulnerable workers requires both smart tools and engaged people.
More tools and resources for young worker safety are available at www.Lni.wa.gov/Youngworkersafety.
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco is the Content Editor for OH&S.