Leveraging AI to Improve Task-specific Biomechanical Safety Instructions

The quality of safety procedures in generative AI-enhanced work instructions was empirically assessed against established work instruction authoring criteria. Three operational tasks from manufacturing, baggage handling, and spaceflight operations were selected. The generative AI was then provided with a set of 75 biomechanical safety requirements common for these settings and prompted to produce work instructions which provided safety requirements and recommendations for each step. Four expert evaluators then rated the improved work instructions against common criteria for their adherence to safety standards, clarity, and practical applicability. Results show that generative AI can significantly improve safety procedures in work instruction by identifying potential hazards and recommending protective equipment or other mitigation approaches. However, the quality of these safety procedures can still be improved significantly.