AI Foundations for Safety Professionals - Part 1

Understanding AI - What it is and how it works. Registration opens at 7:30 am. Coffee and snacks provided. Led by AI-Guru: Marc Smith. Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how safety professionals access information, solve problems, and create work products. This introductory course provides a practical understanding of AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot. Participants will learn how these tools work, their strengths and limitations, and why they are best viewed as collaborative assistants rather than replacements for professional expertise. Using safety-specific examples, the course explores real-world applications including training materials, inspections, investigations, and communication products. By the end of the session, participants will understand key AI concepts, ethical considerations, and how AI can be safely integrated into occupational health and safety practice. Arrive early to get power set up for your laptop and troubleshoot the internet connection in order to get the most out of our time together. We look forward to exploring the future of safety with you!