Safety Leaders Say They Trust AI-generated Insights

Human trusting information from machines isn't new, but the level of turst that safety leaders have to AI-generated insights has grown to 75%.

This is according to a new survey, 2026 EHS 360 Benchmark Report: In Transition: The New Reality of EHS, from VelocityEHS.

The report found that executive leadership attitudes toward EHS have become more strategic during the last 24 months, indicating EHS is increasingly viewed as a driver of operational resilience, workforce protection, and enterprise risk management.

It seems that as companies face a number of pressures, including expanding regulatory complexity, staffing and budget constraints, and heightened expectations from executive leadership, AI can help to improve visibility, strengthen decision-making, and reduce administrative burden.

Other Findings from the Report Include:

• 82% of EHS professionals believe the function is gaining influence at the executive level. 

• 67% indicate EHS has been integrated into broader enterprise risk and strategic business discussions. 

• 53% state the top priority and focus of their EHS program is developing a company-wide safety program.

The report also reveals that AI and automation are now viewed as the most transformative forces shaping the future of EHS. Organizations increasingly see AI as a tool for reducing administrative burden, improving data quality, accelerating compliance activities, and strengthening proactive risk prevention. The findings suggest AI is moving beyond experimentation and beginning to deliver measurable value across EHS programs. 

Key AI Findings Include:

• 76% believe AI can meaningfully reduce administrative burden within EHS workflows.

•  44% identify AI and automation as the largest force shaping the future of EHS.

• 34% report measurable ROI from AI investments today.

“EHS leaders are under more pressure than ever to deliver measurable outcomes, while navigating constant change,” said Ashley Emery, Chief Marketing Officer, VelocityEHS, in a statement

The report suggests that organizations investing in integrated EHS technologies, strong data foundations, and AI-enabled workflows are better positioned to improve visibility, identify risks proactively, strengthen operational resilience, and move from reactive response toward predictive prevention.