Multi-Agent Based Automation of Safety Pre-Shift Checklists

Manual checklists are prone to pencil-whipping, where boxes are ticked without actual inspection. This workflow uses computer vision agents to visually verify fluid levels, tire conditions, and brake test results via a worker's tablet, creating an immutable, geotagged audit trail. It prevents equipment from being released for use until all digital checks pass, closing the accountability gap that leads to unmaintained machinery on site.

Guiding workers through a dynamic, context-aware checklist on a tablet eliminates fumbling with paper manuals and searching for inspection points. IoT agents automatically poll equipment telematics (e.g., engine hours, fault codes) to pre-populate relevant items. The result is a faster, more thorough inspection that gets crews operational sooner, directly impacting daily productivity and equipment utilization rates.

When an agent detects a critical failure (e.g., low hydraulic pressure, worn brakes), it automatically triggers a digital lockout, disabling the equipment's ignition or operation via integrated IoT controls. A maintenance ticket is auto-generated in the CMMS (e.g., IBM Maximo, Fiix), and the asset remains locked until a mechanic documents the repair. This hard stop prevents $500k+ incidents caused by faulty equipment.

The workflow validates that the inspection is performed on the correct asset by cross-referencing the tablet's location and scanned QR code with live equipment telematics (CAN bus data, GPS). This prevents a generic checklist from being applied to the wrong machine, ensuring maintenance records are accurate and liability is clear. Integration with platforms like Samsara or CAT® VisionLink is key for enterprise fleets.

Every inspection creates a cryptographically sealed evidence package—time-stamped photos, sensor readings, worker ID—stored in an immutable ledger. This automated, litigation-ready log demonstrates due diligence to regulators (OSHA/MSHA) and insurers, potentially reducing premium audits and providing instant evidence for claim defense. It turns safety data from a cost center into a risk-finance asset.

The structured failure data from thousands of automated checks—like recurring tire wear or hydraulic leaks—feeds into predictive maintenance models. This allows procurement to forecast parts demand and schedule proactive component replacements during planned downtime, reducing unplanned breakdowns by 30-40% and extending asset life. The workflow closes the loop between daily operations and long-term asset strategy.

The central conductor that personalizes the inspection flow based on the worker's role, assigned equipment, and site location. It fetches the correct digital checklist from the EHS platform, sequences tasks, and manages handoffs between other specialized agents (e.g., from visual inspection to IoT validation). It enforces that steps cannot be skipped and locks out equipment in the CMMS if critical checks fail.

Processes live video from the worker's tablet or fixed site cameras to autonomously verify checklist items. Uses specialized models for fluid level inspection in sight glasses, tire tread depth assessment, and checking for visible leaks or damage. Provides a confidence score and, if verification fails, prompts the worker for a re-check or captures an image for maintenance review.

Connects directly to equipment CAN bus or onboard IoT sensors to validate operational tests. For example, it confirms a brake test was performed by analyzing pressure sensor data, or verifies engine hours match the log. This agent prevents 'pencil-whipping' by requiring digital proof of functional tests, creating an immutable link between the checklist action and the physical asset.

The enforcement layer that interfaces with maintenance and asset management systems. If a critical defect is found (e.g., faulty brakes), this agent automatically generates a work order in the CMMS (like IBM Maximo) and places a digital lockout tag on the equipment in the system, preventing it from being dispatched until maintenance documents a repair. It also logs the completed, verified checklist for OSHA-ready audit trails.

Manages bidirectional data flow between the agentic layer and legacy enterprise systems. It pushes completed inspection records and asset status to the ERP (e.g., SAP S/4HANA), updates equipment health in the digital twin, and syncs worker certification status from the HR platform. This agent handles API translation, error recovery, and ensures the single source of truth is updated across Procore, Oracle Primavera, and telematics dashboards.

Handles all edge cases and uncertain results. If a visual verification agent has low confidence, or a worker disputes a finding, this agent routes the issue to the appropriate human role—a foreman for review, a mechanic for diagnosis—via their preferred channel (Teams, SMS). It tracks resolution SLAs and re-initiates the checklist process once the exception is cleared, maintaining the workflow's integrity without halting operations.

Drives the investment to reduce liability and protect project margins. Benefits from a defensible audit trail that demonstrates due diligence to insurers and clients, potentially lowering insurance premiums and avoiding costly litigation from equipment-related incidents. The workflow directly quantifies ROI through reduced paperwork fraud and prevention of downtime from uninspected machinery failures.

Champions the build to enforce consistent safety protocols and shift accountability from manual checks to automated verification. Benefits from real-time dashboards showing inspection completion rates and failed equipment, enabling proactive intervention. The system eliminates 'pencil-whipping' of paper checklists, ensuring inspections are thorough and locking out non-compliant assets until maintenance is documented.

Key operational stakeholder who provides telematics integration (CAN bus data, GPS) and defines the inspection logic per asset type. Benefits from predictive maintenance signals derived from inspection trends and validated pre-operational tests (e.g., brake checks). The workflow ensures equipment is operated within safe parameters, extending asset life and reducing catastrophic repair costs from misuse.

Primary user guided through the digital checklist via tablet or mobile device. Benefits from a streamlined, voice-guided process that replaces cumbersome paper forms. Computer vision agents assist by verifying fluid levels or tire conditions via the device's camera, reducing subjective judgment calls. The system provides clear 'pass/fail' feedback and prevents operation of unsafe equipment, directly protecting the worker.

Architects the build, connecting agents to legacy field systems (e.g., equipment telematics APIs), Procore, Autodesk Build, or CMMS like IBM Maximo. Responsible for the orchestration layer (e.g., LangGraph) that routes data between vision agents, IoT validators, and the lockout control system. Benefits from creating a scalable, reusable automation fabric for other site safety and operational workflows.

Ultimate beneficiary of aggregated, trustworthy data for subcontractor management and regulatory reporting. The workflow automates the collection of inspection proof, tying it to specific assets, operators, and subcontractor companies. This enables enforcement of contract SLAs, automated performance scoring, and seamless generation of reports for OSHA or client-mandated safety programs.