Legal Island, one of Ireland’s top compliance specialists, has issued a stark warning to employers: your staff could be feeding confidential business data straight into the public domain; and you, or in fact they, probably don’t even know it.
Before using ChatGPT, users can disable its training mode, a setting that, when left on, allows OpenAI to store and use input data to refine future responses. It became apparent to Legal Island that many employers are allowing the use of ChatGPT without any proper training, and without making their employees aware of the importance of turning off the training function before using the tool.
A new survey of 100+ organisations, conducted by Legal Island, found that just 4% of users knew how to disable ChatGPT’s training function, the simple privacy toggle that prevents OpenAI from reusing sensitive data.
Barry Phillips, Chairman of Legal Island and author of a new book, ‘ChatGPT in HR’, put it bluntly: “When the training feature is left switched on, OpenAI can capture the information entered into ChatGPT and recycle it to improve future outputs. If your staff are using ChatGPT with the training function left on, you’re potentially leaking commercially sensitive data into a giant AI engine. That data could pop up in someone else’s prompt next week. It’s a legal, reputational, and regulatory mess waiting to happen.”
Phillips continued: “While it’s encouraging that employees are embracing ChatGPT and teaching themselves how to use it, the lack of formal training is alarming. Our research shows a worrying knowledge gap as most employees in Ireland don’t even know the tool has a training function, let alone how to disable it.”
To address this compliance crisis, Legal Island has developed a free 10-minute e-learning module for employees, showing them exactly how to use ChatGPT safely, including how to switch off the training function before entering any data.
Kellie Shields, Chief Compliance Officer at Legal Island, added: “People treat GenAI like a harmless toy, it’s anything but. Without proper training, it’s a data breach in the making. This issue is too important to ignore, so we’re encouraging employers to take action today and avail of the free compliance training.”
Legal Island has been guiding HR professionals through the complexities of workplace compliance since 1998. With offices in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, the award-winning organisation has become a trusted voice on the safe adoption of emerging tech in the workplace.
Construction workers are surely at the top of the list when it comes to the most dangerous jobs in the world. They are constantly at risk of injury or death on the job site. While there is no way to completely eliminate all risks, there are certain things that you can do to protect your physical health as a construction worker. In this blog post, we will discuss six ways that you can stay safe on the job site and protect your health!
Construction is a High-Risk Field of Work
Working in construction is extremely dangerous. According to the National Safety Council, construction is one of the most dangerous industries in the United States. In 2016, there were almost 900 fatal workplace accidents in construction. This means that construction workers are more than twice as likely to be killed on the job than other workers. For instance, the builders risk insurance cost for a construction project reflects this high level of risk. There are a variety of risks that construction workers face on the job site. These include falling from heights, being struck by objects, and being caught in or between equipment. Construction workers are also at risk of electrical injuries, slips and falls, and exposure to harmful chemicals. Despite the risks, there are certain things that you can do to protect your physical health as a construction worker.
1. Wear The Appropriate Safety Gear
One of the best ways to protect your physical health as a construction worker is to wear the appropriate safety gear. This includes items such as hard hats, safety glasses, and earplugs. Wearing the proper safety gear will help to protect you from injuries if you are involved in an accident. It is also important to wear the proper clothing when working in construction. This means that you should avoid loose-fitting clothes and jewelry. You should also wear closed-toe shoes to protect your feet from injuries.
2. Follow All Safety Instructions
Another way to stay safe on the job site is to follow all safety instructions. This includes following the correct procedures for using equipment and machinery. It is also important to be aware of your surroundings and know where the potential hazards are. If you see something that looks unsafe, do not hesitate to report it to your supervisor. Moreover, being safe also means ensuring you take frequent breaks and maintain your physical health. This means eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep.
3. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
It is important to stay aware of your surroundings at all times when you are working in construction. This means being aware of the location of potential hazards. It is also important to know where the exits are in case of an emergency. If you see something that looks unsafe, make sure to report it to your supervisor immediately. On other hand, if you are ever in an emergency situation, do not hesitate to evacuate the area immediately. Staying safe on the job site is extremely important for construction workers. One of the best ways to do so is to be aware of your environment.
4. Take Breaks Often
Construction work can, and usually is quite physically demanding. It is important to take breaks often to avoid exhaustion. If you are feeling tired, make sure to take a break and rest. The breaks will help you to stay alert and focused on the job at hand. Breaks also help you maintain your good physical condition, so you can do your job safely. If you are not used to working with heavy machinery or lifting heavy objects, it is important to take some time to get used to the physical demands of the job.
5. Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking plenty of water is important for all workers, but it is especially important for construction workers. This is because working in construction can be quite physically demanding. When you are sweating, you are losing water and need to replace it. Drinking plenty of water will help to keep your body hydrated and prevent heat exhaustion. Make sure to drink water regularly throughout the day, even if you are not thirsty. Moreover, if you are working in a hot environment, make sure to drink even more water than usual.
6. Get Regular Health Checkups
It is important for all workers to get regular health checkups. This is especially important for construction workers, as they are exposed to a variety of potential hazards on the job site. Health checkups can help to identify any health concerns that you may have. They can also help to catch any problems early before they become serious. If you are a construction worker, make sure to get a health checkup at least once a year. Furthermore, if you are ever injured on the job, make sure to see a doctor immediately.
Safety Should Always be Your Number One Priority
Construction is a very high-risk job. There are a lot of potential hazards that you are exposed to on a daily basis. This is why it is so important to always prioritize safety. Even if it is about a menial job, like sweeping the floor, you should always think about safety first. Remember, your safety is in your own hands. If you take the necessary precautions, you can stay safe on the job site. Stay safe and follow these tips to protect your physical health as a construction worker. Of course, your employer also has a role to play in ensuring your safety on the job site. They should provide you with the necessary safety equipment and training. However, at the end of the day, it is up to you to stay safe on the job. Do not hesitate to speak up if you ever feel unsafe or see something that looks dangerous. Stay alert and always think about safety first.
In conclusion, following these six tips will help you to protect your physical health as a construction worker. Your safety is ultimately in your own hands. Hence, you should always strive to prioritize it and take the necessary precautions to stay safe on the job site. Your employer, on the other hand, will also have a role to play in ensuring your safety, but at the end of the day, it is up to you to stay safe.
