How AI Is Quietly Preventing Workplace Deaths (Before Anyone Gets Hurt)

AI is already changing workplace safety — most people just don’t realise it yet.In this episode of Health and Safety Unplugged, I sit down with Tane van der Boon, Founder of Inviol, to unpack how computer vision and AI are being used to prevent serious injuries and fatalities before they happen.This is not theory. This is not hype. This is what’s happening right now inside high-risk industries like logistics, steel, and manufacturing.Tane’s story is one of the most unusual origin stories in safety tech:From tracking Maui dolphins with AI-powered aircraft, to deploying real-time computer vision systems that identify unsafe behaviour in workplaces, this conversation goes deep into what proactive safety actually looks like.In this episode, we cover:Why complacency, not ignorance, is the biggest risk in high-hazard workplacesHow AI identifies leading indicators of harm before incidents occurWhy traditional audits and site inspections miss most real riskHow computer vision fits into existing CCTV systems (without “Big Brother” backlash)What it really takes to change safety culture, not just monitor behaviourHow to introduce AI into workplaces without losing trustWhy safety data should enable conversations, not punishmentWhat the future of proactive, AI-assisted safety looks like over the next 5 yearsLessons for founders building technology inside traditional industriesThis episode is especially relevant if you’re: ✔ A Health & Safety Manager ✔ A Business Owner or Operations Leader ✔ A Safety Consultant ✔ Working in logistics, manufacturing, transport or construction ✔ Curious about how AI actually works in the real worldMost serious injuries and fatalities aren’t caused by “one bad decision.” They happen because risk slowly creeps in unnoticed, unmeasured and unchallenged.AI doesn’t replace people. It helps humans see what they can’t see consistently and act before harm occurs.This conversation is about keeping people alive, while still letting businesses operate efficiently and profitably.Why this mattersMost serious injuries and fatalities aren’t caused by “one bad decision.” They happen because risk slowly creeps in — unnoticed, unmeasured, and unchallenged.AI doesn’t replace people. It helps humans see what they can’t see consistently — and act before harm occurs.This conversation is about keeping people alive, while still letting businesses operate efficiently and profitably.🔗 Connect with InviolWebsite: ⁠https://www.inviol.com⁠ Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠ LinkedIn: Search “Inviol” or “Tane van der Boon”🎙 About the HostMatt Jones is the founder of Advanced Safety and organiser of the Safety Summit, helping New Zealand businesses modernise safety performance and move beyond paperwork-driven compliance.🤝 Join NZHSP ConnectIf you want deeper conversations, practical tools, and community learning, join NZHSP Connect — our free professional platform:https://www.advancedsafety.co.nz/nzhsp-connect-free-community/