6-19. New EHS Risks Arising from Over-reliance on Technology Adoption

New technologies like AI, IoT, and robotics are revolutionizing EHS (Environmental, Health, and Safety) management by making risks more visible and preventing accidents. However, a significant challenge has emerged: over-relying on this technology can create new EHS risks. While technology is a powerful tool, overconfidence and misuse can lead to serious problems, highlighting the need to understand its limitations and implement appropriate human oversight.

1. Risks from Over-Reliance on Technology

In one manufacturing company, a real-time monitoring system with IoT sensors was implemented to automatically detect temperature, humidity, and harmful substance levels. However, a sensor malfunction and communication failure led to data being incorrectly captured, and an abnormality was missed. As a result, a worker was exposed to a harmful substance for an extended period, leading to a health incident. In this case, over-reliance on the technology and the elimination of human checks and double-checking systems were the root cause of the increased risk.

2. Complacency and Human Error from Automation

Over-reliance on automation and AI analysis can also lead to a decrease in human vigilance and risk perception. For example, a company that introduced an AI system to detect unsafe behavior found that employees began to think, "The AI is watching, so we're safe," leading to them neglecting their own safety checks. This backfired, as a surge in accidents occurred from human negligence or from abnormalities that the system failed to detect, actually increasing the number of workplace incidents.

3. Underestimating Technical Risks

When introducing new technology, it's crucial to assess not only the usual EHS risks but also the "technology-specific risks." In reality, many companies don't do this thoroughly. New risks are always lurking, such as misjudgments due to AI algorithm bias, drone crashes during equipment inspections, or data breaches from cyberattacks on cloud-based EHS systems.

4. Prevention and Lessons Learned

To minimize EHS risks from technology adoption, the following measures are essential:

• Establish a dual-check system that retains human oversight and verification, rather than relying too heavily on technology.

• Conduct a thorough risk assessment when introducing new technology to identify potential risks.

• Prepare backup systems and alternative methods in anticipation of technology failures.

• Instill in employees the understanding that technology is a support tool, and humans are the primary agents of safety.

Conclusion

While technology can greatly advance EHS management, excessive reliance on it creates new risks. Companies must maximize the benefits of technology while implementing human-centered management to compensate for its limitations. The key to safe and sustainable EHS management lies in an appropriate division of roles between technology and humans.