ISPON seeks collaboration amidst AI threat to workplace
The Lagos State Branch of the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON) has called for urgent and strategic collaboration between government agencies, industry leaders, and policymakers to tackle the emerging health and safety challenges brought about by artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalization in the workplace. Speaking during a press conference in Lagos to mark […]
The Lagos State Branch of the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON) has called for urgent and strategic collaboration between government agencies, industry leaders, and policymakers to tackle the emerging health and safety challenges brought about by artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalization in the workplace.
Speaking during a press conference in Lagos to mark the 2025 International Labour Organization (ILO) World Day for Safety and Health at Work (WDSHW), Olusola Ogunleye, Chairman of ISPON Lagos Branch, emphasized that traditional approaches to workplace safety must evolve to meet the demands of the digital age.
This year’s theme, “Revolutionizing Health and Safety: The Role of AI and Digitalization at Work,” highlights the growing impact of technology on industries worldwide and the urgent need for proactive measures to protect workers.
Ogunleye noted that advancements such as AI-powered systems, wearable health devices, and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions are helping organizations to predict hazards, monitor workers’ health in real-time, and create smarter, safer environments. However, he warned that these technologies, while offering significant benefits, also pose new risks that cannot be ignored.
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According to him, issues such as data privacy, ethical use of AI, inclusivity, and the potential loss of human oversight in automated systems are now pressing concerns for workplace safety professionals. Without clear regulations and responsible implementation, he said, the digital revolution could inadvertently endanger the very workers it aims to protect.
“As artificial intelligence moves from theory into everyday workplace practice, we must not let technology outpace human dignity,” Ogunleye said. “We must ensure that safety standards are strengthened, not weakened, by innovation.”
In addition, ISPON emphasized that while technology can enhance safety, it must not replace critical human oversight. Ogunleye pointed out that AI systems must be monitored to prevent biases and to ensure that all workers, regardless of their status or background, are protected equally.
The Institute reaffirmed its readiness to partner with all arms of government, regulatory bodies, private sector organizations, and other stakeholders in shaping a future where innovation and safety go hand in hand. Ogunleye said that through coordinated efforts, Nigeria can fully leverage the benefits of AI and digitalization while minimizing potential risks to workers.
“The future of workplace health and safety is bright,” he concluded. “By embracing technology responsibly and ethically, we can save lives, improve productivity, and ensure a safer and smarter working environment for all Nigerians.”