Generative artificial intelligence as a support tool for HSE professionals in the assessment of simulated industrial work situations: A pilot exploratory study

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Abstract
This pilot exploratory study investigates the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) as support for HSE professionals in the assessment of simulated industrial work situations. Five professionals with industrial HSE experience assessed six scenarios each, resulting in 30 assessments, of which 15 were completed independently and 15 with standardized AI-generated support. The assessments were evaluated in terms of recognition of key HSE aspects, identification of additional information requirements, adequacy and specificity of control measures, unsupported assumptions, final decisions, and confidence in the assessment. Descriptive results showed slightly higher average values with AI support for recognition of key HSE aspects (85.0% vs. 80.0%), identification of additional information requirements (60.0% vs. 53.3%), and adequacy of control measures (75.0% vs. 70.0%). The specificity and applicability of proposed measures remained unchanged, while confidence was slightly higher in the AI-supported condition. Participants also supplemented AI-generated content with additional professional considerations. The findings suggest that generative AI may provide useful complementary support in HSE assessment, while professional experience and expert judgment remain essential for evaluating and contextualizing AI-generated recommendations.