Overview

This talk will introduce the subject of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and safety culture. AI is receiving a lot of attention, with promises it can perform human tasks such as problem solving and decision making, helping us to process complex data and make better decisions. This goes beyond the role of automation of set routines, especially if the AI is able to learn and adapt its behaviour.

This raises many Human Factors and safety culture questions. "Good" safety culture is characterised as people taking accountability for their actions and decisions, and having ownership of their systems of work. How might the sense of accountability and ownership be impacted if you are nominally responsible for a system that makes its own decisions or presents you with pre-processed information? What if the AI makes a mistake? What if you disagree with the AI recommended actions? Developers are meant to assure the safety of critical systems. If AI learns and adapts, how can you assure a system that may change its processing?

Speaker

Michael Wright, Director, Wright Human Factors Ltd

Since 1987 Michael has specialised in the Human Factors and safety culture of process safety and major accident prevention. He is a Chartered Human Factors Specialist and Chartered Psychologist, with international experience across oil and gas, chemicals, nuclear, rail, shipping, emergency response and renewables, and others.

Alongside innumerable consultancy and training projects, he has developed best practice Human Factors guidance on behalf of the Energy Institute, Centre for Chemical Process Safety and the UK Health and Safety Executive. He now focuses on helping organisations develop their Human Factors capability through training. From 2021 to 2024 he was the Chair of the Safety Culture Working Group, of which he continues to be a member.

The material presented has not been peer-reviewed. Any opinions are the presenter’s own and do not necessarily represent those of IChemE or the Process Management & Control SIG. The information is given in good faith but without any liability on the part of IChemE.

Time

09:00–10:00 GMT.

Software

The presentation will be delivered via Microsoft Teams. We recommend downloading the app from the Microsoft website, rather than using the web portal.