Worker Safety: The Need for Caution in AI Adoption

JAKARTA – Worker safety regulations in Indonesia have significantly improved over the years. From the administration of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) to Jokowi and now Prabowo Subianto, government efforts have provided a greater sense of security for workers. However, advancements in technology bring both opportunities and risks, posing potential threats to worker safety and even business privacy.

"Like a double-edged sword, technology can be both beneficial and harmful. On one hand, it enhances efficiency, but on the other, it can be highly dangerous," said Srinivasan Ramabhadran, Managing Director for Asia Pacific at dss⁺, in Jakarta on Thursday (December 12, 2024).

Srinivasan shared an example of a client in India who suffered financial losses when their finance team was duped into transferring funds. A voice that mimicked the company owner’s instructed them to send money to several accounts, highlighting the risks of technology without robust cybersecurity measures. "This is why technology usage must be accompanied by stringent, layered cybersecurity protections," he added.

That said, Srinivasan acknowledged the immense benefits technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), brings to workplace efficiency. AI can quickly analyze issues and suggest solutions by simply processing relevant data.

"AI can, for instance, detect pipe leaks or review financial records. Imagine how time-consuming these tasks would be if done manually," he explained.

Srinivasan noted that dss⁺, a consultancy specializing in workplace safety across industries like mining, food and beverage, oil and gas, and chemicals, has been operating for 20 years. The company has collaborated with both state-owned enterprises and private firms to ensure compliance with government regulations.

He welcomed Indonesia's improving regulatory landscape under successive administrations, expressing optimism about the nation’s bright economic future. Nevertheless, he emphasized the importance of prioritizing workplace safety, cautioning companies against underestimating the potential losses and reputational damage caused by negligence.