In the spotlight with Dan Hobbs

How did you get into the health and safety industry?

Surprisingly, neither Ciaran nor I had an EHS background when we first started the company. We were first introduced to the industry after speaking to one of Ciaran’s family members who was an operations manager on a site here in Ireland where a fatality occurred. She noted that they had thought it was a freak accident but after reviewing the CCTV they spotted that the behaviours that led to that fatality were actually happening day in, day out. It was then that we knew we could help using our backgrounds in computer vision/artificial intelligence (AI).
After researching further, we realised how difficult companies find it to collect data on leading indicators across their facilities as they can’t be everywhere at once and thus, Protex AI was born to help!

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I think the people both internally and externally. I’ve always loved building friendships across business and we’re lucky to have such a wonderful team that I get to work with every day. Because safety is such a horizontal industry, I also have the pleasure of working with an array of health and safety professionals across multiple industries from logistics, to manufacturing to ports, all with the same mission of protecting their people!

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the health and safety industry in UK?

Data. Good quality data is at the core of every good decision. Safety is a behaviour of the collective, not a single individual. Because of this, its incredibly difficult to gather data points across companies and industries to make effective and proactive decisions. 

How do you think these challenges can be overcome?

At Protex, we focus on this but I also think it’s all about integrating new types of technology like ours and others into existing safety management workflows. EHS professionals are best when analysing data and there are now a bunch of tools available to help do just that so that we can spend less time collecting and more time implementing solutions!

What are your most memorable successes at Protex?

In just over two years, we have achieved monumental successes that resonate with the very essence of what we stand for. From our $18 million Series A investment just last year to the prestigious recognition through a series of landmark industry awards, we've been writing our story with determination and passion.

But what truly ignites my spirit is our unwavering commitment to nurturing growth – the kind of growth that transcends boundaries, the kind that expands our team, enriches our product, and welcomes a diverse portfolio of clients from all corners of the globe. 

What’s next in the product pipeline for Protex?

This year so far, our expanding product team has embarked on an inspirational journey, delving deep into the very fabric of our users' daily challenges. They've tirelessly crafted solutions that not only address these challenges but also infuse instant value into every aspect of their workflow.

Our product pipeline is a testament to this unwavering dedication, constantly introducing new safety rules into our ever-expanding portfolio of use cases, ensuring that our users receive the precise insights they need at the right time and empowering our users to validate these insights and usher in transformative safety programs that lead to safer work environments. 

What’s your vision for the future of Protex?

From day one, our vision has remained crystal clear. We are on a mission to craft the most profoundly human-centric AI-powered proactive safety solution the world has ever seen. Our aim is to embolden EHS teams worldwide, empowering them to safeguard their industrial workforces by cultivating a proactive safety culture that transcends boundaries.

Week after week, in the heart of our town hall meetings, we breathe life into this vision. We do it not just to remind ourselves, but to inspire our team. We want this mission to be more than just a goal; we want it to be an unwavering presence at the forefront of their minds, guiding their every step as they embark on new projects.

What do you think the medium-term future holds for the safety industry globally?

For me, the medium-term future of the industry will be defined by its mastery of safety data iteration and the seamless integration/adoption of cutting-edge technology. This visionary path leads us towards a future where safety thrives through innovation.

Technology will also assist in regulatory compliance, foster global collaboration, and reinforce measures vital to safety. Crucially, technology will work in harmony with human endeavours, enhancing safety practices and cultivating safer work environments across various industries.

What health and safety issues are you most passionate about?

Similar to our company vision, I am deeply passionate about championing the cause of creating visibility to risks and unsafe behaviours within their facilities. Also, the pursuit of making safety programs not just effective but profoundly impactful. It's about equipping teams with the tools, knowledge, and resources to spearhead a remarkable reduction in serious-harm accidents. 

How can we entice more young talent to work in the health and safety sector?

As a growing tech company, we face fierce competition for young talent. However, our vision to build the most human-centric AI-powered proactive safety solution deeply resonates with Generation Z's growing desire to contribute positively to society. We take pride in facilitating their journey, aligning their passion for positive change with our mission in safety technology.

Dan Hobbs is CEO at Protex AI. For more information, visit www.protex.ai