I had a conversation with ChatGPT about workplace safety: This is how it went

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There’s lot of debate about ChatGPT, the incredibly powerful artificial intelligence tool that can handle nearly any request.

While it’s not perfect, and will occasionally spit out wrong information, there are thousands of examples of it writing programming code, creating marketing campaigns and writing blog posts at a high level. I decided to sit down and have a “conversation” with the AI tool about the state of workplace safety. I also threw a couple of scenarios at it.

The text in bold is what I asked it to do, and the text below is the unedited response from ChatGPT. And away we go…

Todd: How would you describe the job of an occupational health and safety professional? Answer in 50 words or less.

ChatGPT: An occupational health and safety (OHS) professional is responsible for implementing and maintaining safety policies and procedures in the workplace to protect the health and well-being of employees.

This may include conducting risk assessments, developing safety plans, providing training and education, and working with management to address safety concerns.

OHS professionals may also be involved in the investigation of accidents and incidents, and in the development of strategies to prevent future incidents.

Todd: What are the top five skills a workplace safety professional needs to be successful? Answer in 50 words or less

ChatGPT: The top 5 skills a workplace safety professional needs to be successful are:

1. Strong communication and interpersonal skills: OHS professionals need to be able to effectively communicate with employees, management, and other stakeholders about safety issues and concerns.
2. Problem-solving skills: OHS professionals need to be able to identify and address safety issues in a proactive and effective manner.
3. Attention to detail: OHS professionals need to be detail-oriented, as they are responsible for identifying and mitigating potential safety risks.
4. Organizational skills: OHS professionals need to be able to manage multiple tasks and projects, and keep track of important documents and records.
5. Knowledge of relevant regulations and standards: OHS professionals need to be familiar with all relevant regulations and standards related to health and safety in the workplace, and ensure that their organization is compliant with these requirements.

Todd: What is the most important piece of PPE on a construction job site? Answer in 50 words or less.

ChatGPT: The most important piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) on a construction job site may vary depending on the specific hazards present.

However, some critical PPE for construction workers may include hard hats, safety glasses or goggles, hearing protection, protective clothing, and respiratory protection. It is important for employers to assess the risks on the job site and provide appropriate PPE to protect their employees.

Todd: How do we properly fit an N95 mask? Answer in 50 words or less.

ChatGPT: To properly fit an N95 mask, follow these steps:

1. Hold the mask by the ear loops and place the loops around your ears.
2. Pinch the nosepiece to shape the mask to the bridge of your nose.
3. Pull the bottom of the mask down to cover your chin.
4. Perform a fit check by placing both hands over the mask and exhaling. If the mask is properly fitted, you should feel no air leaking around the edges of the mask.

It is important to ensure that the mask fits snugly and covers your nose and mouth without leaving gaps. If the mask is too loose or gaps are present, it may not provide adequate protection.

Todd: We had a workplace accident this morning. The worker will be OK. Can you write an announcement to be read by our CEO, no more than 100 words, stating that we are supporting the worker and his family and that we are shutting down operations for the day and will be launching an investigation.

ChatGPT: “Good morning everyone,

I wanted to inform you that we had a workplace accident this morning. The worker involved is receiving medical attention and is expected to be OK. Our thoughts are with the worker and their family at this time, and we will do everything we can to support them.

As a result of the accident, we have decided to shut down operations for the day in order to allow our employees time to process what has happened and to allow us to launch a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

We take the safety of our employees very seriously, and we will do everything in our power to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Sincerely, [Your Name]”

Todd: One of our workers has repeatedly been caught not wearing safety gloves. We want to give him a final warning that, if it happens again, he will be subject to discipline. Can you give me a script to read him of no more than 100 words?

ChatGPT: “Hello [Employee],

I wanted to speak with you about the importance of wearing safety gloves while on the job. As you know, it is critical for all employees to follow safety guidelines and procedures in order to protect themselves and others, and wearing safety gloves is a key part of this effort.

Unfortunately, we have received multiple reports of you not wearing gloves while on the job. This is a serious issue, and it is not something that we can ignore. If you continue to refuse to wear gloves, it may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

I encourage you to speak with your supervisor or HR representative if you have any concerns about the fit or comfort of the gloves. They may be able to provide you with alternatives or adjustments to ensure that you are able to wear them comfortably.

I hope you understand the importance of this issue and will make the necessary adjustments to ensure that you are complying with safety guidelines.

Sincerely, [Your Name]”

Todd: Write me a haiku about workplace safety professionals.

ChatGPT:

Workplace safety pros
Protection and peace of mind
Secure in every step