RiskTalk is a Perth-based safety technology company offering an innovative voice-based risk assessment tool that enhances health, safety, and risk outcomes across various industries around the globe. RiskTalk leverages advanced voice recognition and AI technologies, enabling workers to complete real-time risk assessments simply using the power of their voice, producing more effective and engaging results.
The inspiration behind RiskTalk’s voice technology
The origin of the RiskTalk concept emerged from a pivotal moment co-founder Stuart Farquarson experienced while working on a major road construction project. A colleague expressed frustration with the cumbersome and non-reflective nature of risk assessment paperwork, lamenting, "Why can't we just talk about it?"
The worker’s sentiment highlighted a critical flaw in traditional risk management for Stuart. Current paper-based methods often stifle genuine conversation and critical thinking, focusing instead on completing compliance requirements.
RiskTalk’s innovative new method addresses these issues by facilitating a natural and intuitive way of conducting and capturing risk discussions, ultimately allowing more informed decision-making on the job.
Cutting-edge voice technology enabling safety conversations
RiskTalk's technology stack integrates several advanced AI technologies, including natural language processing (NLP) and noise-cancellation algorithms, along with proprietary programming logic that facilitates the safety assessment process and user experience.
The application functions powered by NLP are crucial to the software, enabling a frictionless experience for workers to keep their eyes on the work task they are describing without needing to stumble through a clunky device interface.
The RiskTalk app documents safety conversations quietly in the background, ensuring that safety discussions are captured accurately without interruption; satisfying compliance needs while collecting richer insights for data analysis and decision-making.
The impact of RiskTalk in utilities, construction and mining
RiskTalk has a proven track record of delivering significant improvements to safety performance across several industries, particularly in the water and electrical utility sectors. Organisations from these industries have benefited from RiskTalk's ability to allow supervisors to monitor multiple sites remotely, prioritising their attention based on risk profiles and personnel capabilities.
Notable examples of the effective use of RiskTalk include Logan Water in Queensland and Connetics in New Zealand, both of which have seen substantial reductions in serious injuries and have received safety innovation awards.
Additionally, Sundt Construction in the USA has improved safety communication, especially for its Spanish-speaking workers, while Fortescue, an innovative mining company in Western Australia, has leveraged RiskTalk insights to improve operational learning and enhance worker safety.
Advice and insights for planning a RiskTalk implementation
For companies looking to successfully implement RiskTalk, it’s critical to strategically develop a deployment plan. The plan must secure executive and operational sponsorship, fulfil mobile device requirements, and include a sustainable change management program.
Successful implementation hinges on the early involvement of operational personnel, such as project and operations managers, who can help drive early adoption by frontline workers, and demonstrate benefits sooner to propel a project forward.
Common challenges experienced during implementation include resistance by some workers reluctant to use their personal mobile devices. This resistance is generally less than 10% of the workforce but can include the loudest and those most resistant to change.
Overcoming such resistance requires patience and effort to demonstrate the technology's advantages, allowing sufficient time for reluctant workers to learn and understand the potential value. It's essential not to let a vocal minority hinder the adoption of a technology that can significantly enhance safety and efficiency for the benefit of all.
RiskTalk powering the future of risk assessment
By overcoming the limitations of traditional methods, leveraging mobile technologies and improving worker experience, RiskTalk is revolutionising risk assessment in the workplace.
The software’s advanced voice technology, configurable workflows, and data insights make RiskTalk a powerful tool for improving safety outcomes across various industries.
Stuart and his team welcome inquiries from organisations seeking to transform their risk management processes with the power of voice technology.
