NSC Report: Rapid AI Adoption in EHS Requires Guardrails
A new report highlights growing use of AI in safety functions while warning that governance, data quality and workforce readiness must keep pace.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- Apr 28, 2026
The use of artificial intelligence in environmental, health and safety (EHS) is accelerating rapidly, but organizations must establish guardrails to ensure safe and effective implementation, according to a new report from the National Safety Council (NSC).
The joint report released by the NSC’s Campbell Institute and Wolters Kluwer Enablon examines how generative AI is being adopted across EHS functions and highlights both its potential and its risks.
Researchers found that AI is increasingly being used to support tasks such as hazard identification, incident analysis and safety training development. The technology also shows promise in improving decision-making and identifying patterns that may not be visible through traditional methods.
However, the report cautions that adoption is outpacing the development of governance frameworks.
Among the key concerns are data quality, reliability of AI-generated outputs and the potential for overreliance on automated systems in safety-critical environments. The report also points to gaps in AI literacy among EHS professionals and a lack of clear organizational policies guiding its use.
“While AI offers significant opportunities to enhance workplace safety, it must be implemented thoughtfully,” the report states, emphasizing the need for human oversight and accountability.
The NSC recommends that organizations establish clear guidelines, invest in training and ensure that AI systems are used to augment—not replace—human expertise.
The report concludes that balancing innovation with appropriate safeguards will be critical as AI continues to reshape EHS practices.
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco brings a strong and varied journalism background to her role at Occupational Health & Safety, having previously served as a multimedia editor, broadcast journalist, professor and reviewer across major news organizations. As Content Editor, she writes news and feature articles, hosts sponsor and editorial webinars, co-hosts the SafetyPod worker health and safety podcast, and manages the brand’s digital and social media presence. She is committed to informing and engaging the safety community through compelling reporting and conversations that support safer, healthier workplaces.