British Safety Council to explore how AI is transforming workplace health and safety in 2025
The British Safety Council is set to convene its 15th Annual Conference on 14 October 2025, focusing this year on a theme of pressing relevance: ‘Workplace Health, Safety and Wellbeing in an AI-enabled World’. This fully online and free-to-attend event is sponsored by National Highways’ Driving for Better Business campaign and aims to address the evolving landscape of health and safety as artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes work environments.
Chaired by Steve Ward, the IT Director of the British Safety Council, the conference gathers a diverse panel of experts and thought leaders at the forefront of workplace health, safety, and wellbeing. Notable participants include representatives from the Health and Safety Executive, BSI, Institute for Employment Studies, Microsoft, HandsHQ, leading law firms Pinsent Masons and Ward Hadaway LLP, as well as academics from the Universities of Surrey and East London.
The agenda is designed to tackle the multifaceted impact of AI on health and safety frameworks in workplaces. Discussions and presentations will explore emerging risks and opportunities related to the management of psychosocial safety, a critical aspect as workplaces integrate AI-driven technologies. Attendees can expect insights into how AI alters traditional roles and responsibilities, introduces new hazards, and demands fresh approaches to risk management.
A significant aspect of the conference will be dedicated to the need for upskilling and training. As AI technologies become embedded in workplace systems, ensuring that employees and managers are capable of navigating these changes is paramount. The sessions will delve into strategies for effective workforce development, equipping professionals with the knowledge to harness AI benefits while mitigating associated risks.
Legal considerations form another cornerstone of the discussions. With AI applications in the workplace advancing rapidly, the conference will address the latest legal developments concerning AI’s influence on health, safety, and wellbeing. Legal experts from Pinsent Masons and Ward Hadaway LLP will provide perspectives on the evolving regulatory landscape and offer guidance on compliance and risk mitigation in an AI-enabled workplace.
Mike Robinson, Chief Executive of the British Safety Council, emphasised the significance of the conference theme, stating, “We will explore the critical intersections between technology and human-centred workplace practices, focusing on culture, leadership, legal frameworks, and future readiness.” His comments highlight how the event seeks to balance technological innovation with the maintenance of a positive, inclusive workplace culture that supports psychological safety and human connection despite increasing digital transformation.
For professionals tasked with safeguarding workplace wellbeing in a rapidly evolving technological era, the conference promises strategic insights and practical tools. Delegates will gain a better understanding of ethical AI use, organisational culture adaptation, and leadership approaches that prioritise empathy and clarity in guiding teams through change.
By making the event freely accessible and fully online, the British Safety Council is underscoring its commitment to providing inclusive, wide-reaching opportunities for learning and collaboration in the health and safety community. This approach not only fosters greater engagement from organisations of all sizes but also helps disseminate best practices that are essential as AI continues to transform workplace environments.
The full roster of speakers and scheduled presentations is available on the British Safety Council’s website, providing potential attendees with detailed information to navigate the day’s sessions.