Location University of Central Missouri – Innovation Campus
Topic AI Safety: Redefining Workplace Risk Management at Owens Corning
We have implemented a comprehensive AI-driven safety protocol aimed at mitigating serious injuries across Owens Corning’s extensive network of over 130 factories. Through thorough research, we’ve identified forklift-human collisions and unauthorized access to restricted areas as predominant contributors to severe injuries and fatalities. Our AI safety framework assesses site-specific risks, objectively evaluates risk reduction measures and implements real-time preventative measures in areas where heightened risks necessitate additional controls.
Initially, we deploy temporary computer vision cameras in high-risk zones such as warehouses and loading docks and gather hundreds of hours of video. We then use computer vision to detect and analyze traffic patterns, identify areas with elevated risk and capture examples of high risk situations. Subsequently, workspace modifications and procedural adjustments are made to address site-specific risks, with follow-up assessments conducted using AI camera data to gauge the effectiveness of safety enhancements.
In instances where behavioral and procedural modifications prove insufficient, real-time AI sensors are installed to monitor personnel and vehicle movements with precision, employing advanced technologies akin to those found in autonomous vehicles. This fusion of AI and sensor technologies furnishes instantaneous alerts to drivers, pedestrians, and safety personnel in the event of hazardous situations, enabling proactive intervention and automatic reporting of safety violations for corrective action. The implementation of this data-driven, multi-sensor AI system has significantly reduced the risk of serious injuries within our factories, while also furnishing invaluable data for enhancing quality, process efficiency, and advanced manufacturing operations.
Speakers
Geoff Walter | Owens Corning
Geoff Walter is Corporate Director of Enterprise Safety for Owens Corning. In this leadership role, he has responsibility for leading and managing the global safety function for Owens Corning which includes developing and implementing the strategy, policy, processes, systems and tactics to deliver world class safety performance for Owens Corning.
Mr. Walter joined Owens Corning in June 2014. Prior to joining Owens Corning, he spent 19 years with Honeywell International in various roles of increasing EHS responsibilities within the Aerospace, Automation & Control Solutions and Transportation business units as well as their Corporate EHS organization. Mr. Walter received a BS in Occupational Health & Safety from Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois and a MBA from the University of Findlay in Findlay, Ohio. Mr. Walter is also a Certified Safety Professional.
Keith Bowers| Bowers AI
Keith uses AI to help Safety Leaders develop effective corrective actions and has invented several AI tools that improve workplace safety. With numerous patents in AI for workplace safety, his innovative approach has earned him recognition, including partnership status with the Campbell Institute of the National Safety Council. Before founding Bowers Management Analytics in 2015, Keith spent two decades with Honeywell in diverse EH&S and ISC roles where he gained the domain knowledge needed to successfully apply big data tools. Keith earned a BA from Colgate University, an MS from Texas A&M University and an MBA from Arizona State University. Keith’s certifications include Six Sigma Black Belt, PMP, and a Data Science Certificate from Johns Hopkins University. He is a proficient R and Python programmer and Stan modeler.
Keith can be reached at keith@bowersma.com, by phone at 480 648 8416 or through his website at www.bowersma.com.
Agenda
11:30 – 12:00pm – Lunch
12:00 – 1:00pm – Presentation