Using SoterAI in Microsoft Teams — Real-World Use Cases
Here's how EHS professionals and frontline workers use SoterAI directly in Microsoft Teams — without leaving the app they already use every day.
Use Case 1 — Instant hazard reporting from a channel
A safety officer spots a damaged railing on a site walkthrough and wants to log it immediately while the team is watching in Teams.
Safety Officer: "@SoterAI I need to report a hazard — damaged handrail on the north staircase, Level 2, Building A. Attaching a photo."
SoterAI: "Got it — starting a Hazard Report. Can you confirm your name and the severity of the hazard? I'll include the photo you attached." (Record submitted in seconds, visible to the whole team in the channel.)
Use Case 2 — Pre-task safety check before hot work
A maintenance technician messages SoterAI before starting welding in a restricted area.
Technician: "@SoterAI what do I need before starting hot work near flammable storage?"
SoterAI: "Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.252, before hot work near flammable storage you need: a hot work permit, removal or shielding of flammables within 35 feet, a fire watch for at least 30 minutes after completion, and fire suppression equipment on hand. Want me to start a permit workflow?"
Use Case 3 — Running a site audit from Teams
An EHS manager is on-site and wants to run a structured audit using Teams on their mobile device.
EHS Manager: "@SoterAI start a site audit for our Melbourne warehouse."
SoterAI: "Starting Site Audit — Melbourne Warehouse. Send up to 50 photos or a video up to 6 minutes. I'll analyse each one for hazards and generate a full report. Send your first image when ready."
Use Case 4 — Incident response guidance in a group chat
A supervisor in a Teams group chat with site managers needs immediate guidance after a slip-and-fall.
Supervisor: "@SoterAI a worker slipped on a wet surface in the car park and hit their knee. What do we do now?"
SoterAI: "Immediate steps: ensure the area is safe and the worker receives first aid. Document the scene with photos before anything is moved. I can help you determine OSHA recordability and start an Incident Investigation — do you want to do that now? Also, was first aid the only treatment, or did they receive medical treatment beyond first aid?"
Use Case 5 — OSHA recordability determination on the spot
A safety manager needs to quickly determine whether a cut requiring stitches is recordable.
Safety Manager: "@SoterAI a worker cut their forearm and needed 3 stitches at the clinic. OSHA recordable?"
SoterAI: "Yes — this is OSHA recordable. Under 29 CFR 1904, stitches (sutures) are classified as medical treatment beyond first aid. You need to record this on your OSHA 300 Log within 7 calendar days. Want me to start the OSHA Recordability workflow to document this properly?"
Use Case 6 — Generating a toolbox talk in a team channel
A site supervisor posts in the morning safety channel and needs a quick toolbox talk for the day's task.
Supervisor: "@SoterAI write a 5-minute toolbox talk on working in extreme heat. We're in Arizona and it's going to be 105°F today."
SoterAI: "Here's a 5-minute toolbox talk on heat illness prevention for extreme heat conditions in Arizona: [generates structured talk covering heat illness signs and symptoms, hydration requirements (1 quart/hour), mandatory rest breaks in shade, acclimatisation for new workers, and what to do if a worker shows symptoms]. Want me to add a quick quiz or tailor it to a specific task?"
Use Case 7 — Chemical safety Q&A during a spill
A lab technician sends an urgent message in the chemicals team channel.
Lab Tech: "@SoterAI we had a small hydrochloric acid spill in Lab 3. What's the cleanup procedure and what PPE do we need?"
SoterAI: "For HCl spill cleanup: immediately evacuate non-essential personnel and ventilate the area. PPE required: chemical-resistant gloves (butyl rubber minimum), face shield, chemical-resistant apron, and acid-rated respirator if ventilation is insufficient. Neutralise with sodium bicarbonate or lime, absorb with dry sand, and dispose of as hazardous waste. Want me to log this as an incident record?"
Use Case 8 — JSA for a non-routine maintenance task
A maintenance team lead asks SoterAI in their team channel before starting work on a rooftop unit.
Maintenance Lead: "@SoterAI we're replacing a rooftop HVAC unit tomorrow. Can you create a JSA?"
SoterAI: "Here's a JSA for Rooftop HVAC Unit Replacement: [generates step-by-step analysis covering roof access controls, fall protection (guardrails or harness), electrical isolation and LOTO, manual handling of heavy components, weather restrictions, tool management to prevent dropped objects, and emergency procedures]. Want me to add your crew names and site-specific details?"
Use Case 9 — Risk briefing before a leadership meeting
A safety director asks for a quick risk summary before a Monday morning call.
Safety Director: "@SoterAI give me a 3-point risk briefing before my 9am call with the leadership team."
SoterAI: "Here are your top 3 open risk scenarios: 1. Forklift-pedestrian conflict — High risk, Site B. Missing: dedicated pedestrian walkways. 2. Chemical storage non-compliance — Medium risk, Site A. Missing: secondary containment inspection (overdue 14 days). 3. Elevated work platform — Medium risk, Site C. Open corrective action since last audit. Want full details on any of these?"
Use Case 10 — Training record submission from a channel
A training coordinator has just completed a session and wants to log it straight away from the Teams training channel.
Coordinator: "@SoterAI I just ran a manual handling training session with 8 workers at the Bristol site. Can you log this as a training record?"
SoterAI: "Creating a Training Record. What was today's date and do you have the attendee names? You can paste a list or upload a sign-in sheet photo."
Use Case 11 — Confined space permit check before entry
A team is about to enter a confined space and their supervisor asks SoterAI in their operations channel.
Supervisor: "@SoterAI what permits and checks do we need before entering a permit-required confined space at a water treatment plant?"
SoterAI: "Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146, for a permit-required confined space at a water treatment plant you need: a signed entry permit, atmospheric testing (oxygen 19.5–23.5%, flammable gas below 10% LEL, H2S below 10 ppm), continuous atmospheric monitoring during entry, a trained attendant outside, an entry supervisor, rescue procedures in place, and lockout/tagout of all energy sources. Want me to start the confined space entry workflow?"
Use Case 12 — New employee PPE policy question
A new employee asks SoterAI in a general channel before their first day on the production floor.
New Employee: "@SoterAI what PPE do I need to wear on the production floor? I start tomorrow."
SoterAI: "Based on your organisation's PPE Policy for Production Areas: safety glasses (mandatory at all times), steel-toed safety boots, high-visibility vest, and hearing protection in designated noise zones. Gloves are required when handling materials — check with your supervisor for the correct type for your task. Want me to show you where the PPE stations are located?"