As global attention turns to technological solutions for occupational hazards on World Day for Safety and Health at Work, Ghanaian safety expert Ernest Alaazy is championing artificial intelligence as the next frontier in workplace protection.
The GE Vernova executive’s blueprint for smarter workspaces combines cutting-edge technology with cultural transformation to address Ghana’s industrial safety challenges.
Speaking on Asaase Radio, Alaazy painted a vision of workplaces where intelligent systems anticipate dangers before they materialize. “We’re moving beyond reactive safety protocols to predictive systems that can literally save lives through early detection,” he explained. His call comes as Ghana’s manufacturing and logistics sectors grapple with preventable injuries that drain productivity and inflate operational costs.
The proposed AI integration ranges from basic CCTV analytics to advanced wearable tech monitoring workers’ movements in real-time. These devices can flag hazardous postures or fatigue patterns, enabling targeted interventions. While acknowledging the significant investment required, Alaazy emphasized the long-term payoff: “The cost of prevention pales against the financial and human toll of workplace accidents.”
His roadmap begins with comprehensive gap analyses to match technological solutions with specific operational needs. For budget-conscious organizations, he recommends starting with computer vision systems that analyze existing camera feeds for safety violations before progressing to more sophisticated equipment. Crucially, he notes these systems can deliver actionable insights while respecting employee privacy through anonymized data collection.
The safety specialist tied technological adoption to broader regulatory obligations, citing Ghana’s commitments under ILO Convention 155. “True compliance means going beyond paperwork to create living safety ecosystems,” Alaazy asserted, stressing that leadership commitment remains the bedrock of effective implementation. His model calls for executives to not only fund safety tech but actively demonstrate its importance through their own conduct.
As Ghana positions itself as an industrial hub, this AI-powered safety vision offers a pathway to simultaneously protect workers and enhance competitiveness. The convergence of smart technology and cultural change, Alaazy suggests, could redefine workplace standards across West Africa while setting new benchmarks for responsible industrialization. With proper implementation, Ghana’s workspaces may soon become case studies in how emerging economies can leapfrog traditional safety approaches through strategic digitalization.
