Google recently introduced an AI product called Notebook LM. Google refers to Notebook LM as an AI collaborator. The notebook was created with assistance from writer Steven Johnson, who wanted to create a digital Notebook that would help people like him track ideas, quotes, and thoughts that will ultimately be helpful for writing projects.
Essentially, it’s an AI agent that you can load with documents, URLs, and other sources of information that you want it to become familiar with. Notebook allows an impressive volume of sources of varying types, including:
- Google Docs
- Google Slides
- PDF, Text and Markdown files
- Web URLs
- Copy-pasted text
- YouTube URLs of public videos
- Audio files
Each source can contain up to 500,000 words or up to 200MB for uploaded files, and each notebook can contain up to 50 sources. Notebook’s functions were initially intended for creative writers, but I’ve found them to be super helpful for aspects of construction safety management.
Setting up a Notebook
Navigate to https://notebooklm.google/ and click Try Notebook LM. When you do, you will see a screen with your existing Notebooks and the option to create a new one.
The first thing you will see when you create a new notebook is a window that allows you to upload sources.
Setting up a Construction Safety Notebook
One way a Notebook could help a construction company manage safety would be to create a new Notebook for each project currently underway. This would allow the safety manager or superintendent to upload all types of project documents and information sources. To illustrate, I found a site-specific safety plan online and dropped it into my Notebook. The project referenced in the site-specific safety plan was located in Anchorage, Alaska, so I also included the URL to the weather in Anchorage. As the construction project progresses, I could add other documents or links to Google Docs that contain project-specific information like notifications, government orders, inspection reports, incident descriptions, and other safety-related documents.
Using your Notebook
Like other AI interfaces, Notebooks allow you to ask questions about your documents and information sources. I asked my Notebook to create a daily safety notice based on the safety plan I uploaded, and it provided the text in the textbox below. The notebook will suggest other questions you might ask. For instance, mine suggests, “What are the primary health and safety responsibilities of different jobsite personnel?” The proactive safety or construction manager might use Notebook to create orientation quizzes, safety FAQs, and other safety resources.
Daily Safety Brief
Safety Focus: Excavation and Trenching
Excavations and trenches five feet or deeper require cave-in protection, which can include shoring, sloping, benching, trench shields, or trench boxes.
A competent person must be present for excavation and trenching work, and must inspect each excavation or trench daily before work begins, after every rainstorm, and as needed throughout the work shift.
Trenches four feet or deeper must have an exit located within 25 feet of any worker in the trench.
Spoil piles and equipment must be kept at least two feet from the edge of the trench or excavation.
Workers should be aware of the soil classification, as this will determine the specific requirements for each type of protective system.
Reminders
Report all accidents and near misses immediately to the foreman or superintendent, no matter how small. An accident report must be filed.
Wear required PPE at all times on the job site. This includes a hard hat, safety glasses, and safety work boots. Reflective vests are required when working outside around equipment or traffic.
Attend weekly safety meetings. These meetings are mandatory for all employees and subcontractors.
Housekeeping is crucial for a safe work environment. Keep work areas, passageways, and stairs clear of debris. Store tools properly.
If you see a safety hazard, report it to your supervisor immediately.
Let's all work together to have a safe and productive day!
Creating a Podcast
I referred to this in my last article, but it’s worth highlighting again. Notebook has a podcast feature that converts your information into a deep-dive conversation between two podcast hosts. This may have limited safety value, but safety podcasts may provide another medium for distributing safety information to your crews.
Conclusion
Google’s Notebook LM is a versatile tool that extends far beyond its original intention as an AI collaborator for creative writers. For safety professionals, particularly those managing multiple sites or projects, Notebook LM offers a centralized platform to handle the often overwhelming amount of data. The potential for integration with project documents, weather updates, safety plans, and incident reports is convenient and may also help improve safety outcomes by keeping information accessible and current.
