On Feb. 19, 2026, the ASSP Artificial Intelligence (AI) Task Force released its white paper, “AI and the Evolving Role of EHS Professionals.” To expand on the paper’s key themes, task force members will share their unique perspectives in a new weekly series in ASSP News. This post kicks off the series.
ASSP’s AI Strategy — And the Why and How Behind It
By Stephanie Johnson, CSP, CHMM, director-at-large and chair of the AI Task Force, ASSP
When we first started talking about AI at the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), I wasn’t sure where the conversation would lead. Like a lot of safety professionals, I’d been watching AI take shape across industries — from finance to manufacturing — and I kept thinking, “Okay, but what does this mean for environmental health and safety (EHS)?” Because while everyone was talking about AI’s potential to change the future, most of us were still focused on the everyday challenges of protecting people, property and the environment.
For me, AI became reality long before it became trendy. During my role as a director of EHS in telecommunications, we had teams scattered across multiple sites and states. Getting people the information they needed quickly was a constant challenge. That’s where AI quietly started showing its value.
We used it to make safety information instantly available to field staff. If someone wanted to know, “What’s our ladder safety policy?” they could ask and get an answer right away — complete with citations from our internal policies and procedures. I used AI tools to create short, two-to-five-minute safety training modules and toolbox talks. EHS subject matter experts reviewed everything for accuracy, taking the process from days to hours. It wasn’t flashy — just faster, smarter and more accessible. That’s when I realized AI could be a companion in safety, not a replacement.
So, when ASSP formed the AI Task Force, the purpose felt personal. We wanted to understand how much our members already knew about AI and define ASSP’s role in supporting them as the technology reshapes the safety profession. We’re not only talking about gadgets or automation — we’re talking about how AI can make work safer, more efficient and more human-centered.
Why ASSP Needs an AI Strategy
AI is already woven into our daily work, whether we recognize it or not. From predictive analytics in equipment maintenance to computer vision for hazard detection, these tools are starting to show up in safety programs across industries. And as businesses see success in other departments, they’re beginning to ask, “What can AI do for EHS?”
That’s the moment where safety professionals need to be ready. We can’t wait until someone else defines what AI in safety looks like. We need to be proactive — shaping it ourselves, ensuring it’s used ethically, transparently and responsibly. Because if we don’t, someone else will, and that might not always align with our values as safety leaders.
I’ve heard the concerns — “Will AI replace jobs?” or “Will it make people less accountable?” My perspective is this: AI is a tool. It’s only as good as the people guiding it. The goal isn’t to replace human judgment — it’s to enhance it. The key is engagement. If we want to remain relevant in a fast-changing world, we must understand this technology and lead the conversation about how it’s used.
Building the Strategy
Our mission as the ASSP AI Task Force was to create a framework that increases knowledge, proficiency and understanding of AI — both within ASSP and among our members. We focused on encouraging safe, ethical and responsible AI practices while protecting the profession’s integrity. After months of collaboration, surveys and focus groups, the result was a comprehensive AI strategy built around five pillars:
- Strategic Leadership: Establish ASSP as the premier authority and indispensable resource supporting the successful implementation of AI in EHS.
- AI Competency Development: Equip safety professionals with the skills, knowledge and experience to lead in AI-driven EHS.
- Research: Become the trusted source for evidence-based research and practical guidance on AI in EHS.
- Trusted Authority: Foster collaboration by transparently showcasing verified impacts and practical applications of AI in EHS while addressing legitimate concerns.
- Ethical Leadership: Develop and promote ethical guidelines for responsible AI adoption in EHS.
This final pillar is the heart of our work. AI brings incredible potential, but also new questions about privacy, bias and equity. ASSP’s position statement on AI is rooted in four key values: trust, transparency, equity and privacy. These values guide how we approach AI and how we help others use it responsibly.
What Comes Next
Now that the task force’s recommendations are complete, ASSP’s board will review and determine how these strategies align with our larger organizational goals. Professional staff will assess what’s feasible — in terms of budget, technology and people — and build a detailed implementation plan for board approval. It’s a process, and like any transformation, it takes time. But it’s worth it.
The response from our members so far has been overwhelmingly positive. There’s excitement, curiosity and a genuine desire to understand how AI fits into our shared mission of keeping workers safe. That gives me confidence that we’re on the right path.
Leading the Future, Together
For me, this isn’t just about technology — it’s about leadership. It’s about ensuring safety professionals stay at the center of decisions that affect workers. AI should never take away our responsibility to think critically or act ethically. Instead, it should give us better tools to do those things faster and smarter.
We don’t know everything AI will bring. But we do know this: the world is changing, and safety must evolve with it. By engaging with AI thoughtfully and responsibly, ASSP can help every safety professional lead that change — protecting people, improving performance and strengthening our profession for the future.
That’s the how and the why behind our AI strategy. It’s not just about technology; it’s about people —always has been, always will be.