New Department of Labor AI Principles Set the Stage for AI Best Practices for Forklifts
The Department of Labor recently released a set of principles and AI best practices for forklifts and other AI systems used in the workplace. The list of Principles below are to be applied to those who develop AI based solutions, such as SIERA.AI’s AI based forklift safety system and the deployment (our S2 and S3 forklift safety system). The Principles are applies to all industrial sectors and used to various degrees, taking into consideration that each sector may use some of it differently. Let’s take a look at the list of 8 Principles as stated by the Department of Labor.
1. Centering Worker Empowerment:
Workers and their representatives, especially those from underserved communities, should be informed of and have genuine input in the design, development, testing, training, use, and oversight of AI systems for use in the workplace.
SIERA.AI believes that the forklift operators should be involved in the evaluation of the forklift safety system. It’s best for them to understand and experience that the AI forklift safety system is there to keep watch when they can’t. If they understand how it aids in their work process, their acceptance of it will ensure use and not continue to try to break it.
2. Ethically Developing AI:
AI systems should be designed, developed, and trained in a way that protects workers.
We so agree! The forklift safety system by SIERA.AI is all about protecting the operators and workers throughout the facility. It also includes the protection of the facility itself, other equipment and the product the facility handles and stores.
3. Establishing AI Governance and Human Oversight:
Organizations should have clear governance systems, procedures, human oversight, and evaluation processes for AI systems for use in the workplace.
SIERA.AI works with each customer to adhere to the evaluation process for our system. You’ll find that most customers start out with purchasing 4+ units. Using a few units helps to better understand the data collection process, which gives you better insights into safety.
4. Ensuring Transparency in AI Use:
Employers should be transparent with workers and job seekers about the AI systems that are being used in the workplace.
That’s why including them in the selection and trial process is vital. We want their participation so they understand it’s not a tool to spy on them, but to keep them safe…and how.
5. Protecting Labor and Employment Rights:
AI systems should not violate or undermine workers’ right to organize, health and safety rights, wage and hour rights, and anti-discrimination and anti-retaliation protections.
Our forklift safety system is to be used by all forklift operators, whether they are full-time, part-time, seasonal or temporary workers. It’s made to be easily understood and in multiple languages so there’s no misunderstanding.
6. Using AI to Enable Workers:
AI systems should assist, complement, and enable workers, and improve job quality.
Our forklift safety system works to improve the operators productivity and efficiency. Improvements will go a long way to ensure a more secure and safe workflow for all. Our goal is to eliminate forklift incidents whether it be near misses, low impacts or fatalities.
7. Supporting Workers Impacted by AI:
Employers should support or upskill workers during job transitions related to AI.
For our forklift safety system, there’s little to transition. We’ve made it easy to use and simple to understand so it gets used.
8. Ensuring Responsible Use of Worker Data:
Workers’ data collected, used, or created by AI systems should be limited in scope and location, used only to support legitimate business aims, and protected and handled responsibly.
Information is vital to collect. You’ll be able to ‘see’ where improvements can be made to ensure safety, efficiency and productivity. The online telemetry Dashboard provides insights so finding improvements is fast and easy and has a lasting impact on all.
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Contact us today at sales@siera.ai or call us at (512) 817 0702.