Unsanctioned AI Use Rising Among Global EHS Teams
Research shows safety professionals are increasingly turning to unofficial tools as organizations struggle with data integration and governance.
- By Jesse Jacobs
- Apr 23, 2026
New research reveals that artificial intelligence adoption in EHS sectors is outpacing organizational readiness, with 95% of senior leaders reporting that employees are using unapproved AI tools at work.
According to The State of EHS+ Technology report, this rise in "shadow AI" occurs as organizations struggle with fragmented data systems. While 97% of leaders acknowledge AI use within their operations, only 5% have successfully embedded the technology across their workflows.
The study, which surveyed 2,000 senior leaders across North America and Europe, highlights a significant infrastructure gap. Approximately 85% of organizations still rely on manual or disconnected tools. Furthermore, 88% of respondents noted that a lack of integration between EHS software and other enterprise systems remains a primary barrier to scaling AI effectively.
Despite these hurdles, AI is significantly influencing procurement strategies. The data shows that 94% of leaders consider AI capabilities when purchasing new technology, and 62% are moving toward integrated platforms to consolidate their data.
The report suggests a shift in how safety professionals view the value of AI. Rather than using it solely for administrative tasks or backward-looking reports, 82% of organizations see the potential for AI to assist in real-time decision-making. This includes managing shift changes, monitoring PPE availability and identifying worker fatigue as it happens.
Trust remains a critical factor in adoption. Only 15% of respondents said they would trust fully autonomous AI to make safety decisions. Instead, 85% of leaders prefer a "human-in-the-loop" approach, where AI provides recommendations that are ultimately reviewed and approved by a person.
The findings indicate that the most "mature" organizations are not necessarily those with the most AI tools, but those that have prioritized centralized data and integrated platforms as a prerequisite for automation.
About the Author
Jesse Jacobs is assistant editor of OHSOnline.com.