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AI hazard classification
4 min readLast updated January 15, 2026
AI hazard classification
Verdan uses artificial intelligence to automatically classify safety observations, saving time and ensuring consistent categorization.
How It Works
When you submit a safety observation:
- Text Analysis — AI reads your description to understand the hazard
- Image Analysis — If photos are attached, AI identifies visual hazards
- Classification — The hazard is categorized into standard types
- Severity Assessment — Risk level is estimated
- Standards Reference — Relevant OSHA regulations are identified
- Recommendations — Corrective actions are suggested
Hazard Categories
The AI classifies into OSHA's Focus Four and other categories:
Focus Four (Most Common Fatalities)
- Falls — Unprotected edges, holes, scaffolding
- Struck-By — Falling objects, vehicles, equipment
- Caught-In/Between — Machinery, collapsing structures
- Electrocution — Exposed wiring, power lines, equipment
Additional Categories
- Fire/Explosion
- Chemical exposure
- Ergonomic hazards
- Environmental conditions
- Housekeeping
- PPE violations
- Traffic/vehicle
- Noise exposure
Severity Levels
| Level | Description | Response Time |
|---|---|---|
| Critical | Immediate danger to life | Immediate |
| High | Serious injury potential | Within 4 hours |
| Medium | Moderate risk | Within 24 hours |
| Low | Minor concern | Within 1 week |
OSHA References
The AI maps observations to relevant OSHA standards:
- 29 CFR 1926 (Construction)
- Specific subparts and sections
- Direct links to regulation text
Accuracy & Overrides
- AI classification accuracy: ~92% in testing
- Always review AI suggestions before accepting
- You can modify the category, severity, or recommendations
- Corrections help improve future accuracy
- Human judgment always takes precedence
Privacy & Data
- Observation data is processed securely
- Photos are analyzed in-memory, not stored externally
- AI models are updated quarterly
- No personally identifiable information is used in training