At Western Health & Safety, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct in the deployment and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This AI Ethics Policy aligns with our core values and the ethical standards set forth in the ABIH Code of Ethics. It guides our approach to developing, deploying, and managing AI technologies.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE USE PRINCIPLES
Compliance with Laws and Regulations
At Western Health & Safety our Occupational Hygienists will adhere to all AI applications will adhere to relevant local, national, and international laws, regulations, and ethical guidelines. We will continuously monitor and update our practices to remain compliant.
Accuracy and Truthfulness
Western Health & Safety is committed to ensuring the accuracy and truthfulness of data used by our AI systems. AI-driven decisions and analyses will be based on reliable and validated data sources.
COOPERATION & REPORTING VIOLATIONS
Western Health & Safety encourages reporting any unethical use of AI within the organization. We will cooperate fully with regulatory and ethics bodies of the American Board of Industrial Hygienist (ABIH), Canadian Registration Board for Occupational Hygienist (CRBOH), and Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP) to address and rectify any violations.
CONFIDENTILATY & PRIVACY
Western Health & Safety will protect the confidentiality and privacy of all data processed by our AI systems. Data handling will comply with privacy laws and best practices, ensuring transparency in data usage. When using data for AI training and analysis, anonymize it to remove any personally identifiable information, company names, and work site location to ensure privacy is maintained.
ACCOUTNABILITY IN AI USE
Verification of Sources
Rigorous Source Verification: Western Health & Safety commits to rigorously verifying the sources of data and information used in our AI systems. This includes validating the accuracy, reliability, and credibility of data sources before their integration into AI models.
AI as a starting Point
AI as an Informative Tool, Not a Decision-Maker: AI technologies at Western Health & Safety will serve as starting points for information gathering and analysis. They will provide insights and recommendations, but final decisions will be based on a broader context that AI alone may not comprehend.
Emphasis on Critical Thinking and Professional Judgment
Critical Thinking and Professional Judgment: Western Health & Safety emphasizes the importance of human critical thinking and professional judgment in interpreting AI-generated insights. Our Occupational Hygienist will use AI outputs as one of several inputs in a decision-making process that values human expertise, contextual understanding, and ethical considerations.
Prevention of Misinformation Spread
Combating Misinformation: Western Health & Safety acknowledges the potential of AI to inadvertently generate or spread misinformation. To counter this, our AI systems will be designed and monitored to minimize biases and errors. Western Health & Safety commits to not participating in or contributing to the spread of misinformation created by AI. Regular audits and updates of AI systems will be conducted to ensure the integrity and accuracy of information.
By incorporating these practices, Western Health & Safety can ensure that it respects and maintains the confidentiality of all sensitive information in its AI systems and operations. These measures not only protect the data but also build trust with clients, employees, and stakeholders.