Stephen Ojji is rethinking workplace safety. Courtesy photo

Workplace safety has always been reactive. Incidents happen, reports are filed, lessons are learned — sometimes too late. But what if safety wasn’t about reacting to accidents, but preventing them altogether?

In this episode of the Energy Tech Startups Podcast, Stephen Ojji, founder and CEO of VisionTech, challenges how high-hazard industries approach safety. His vision? AI-driven incident detection that doesn’t just monitor the workplace —i t actively prevents injuries, ensures compliance, and builds a stronger safety culture.

From Oil and Gas Safety to AI Innovation

Stephen’s journey into energy tech isn’t what you’d expect. Starting as a safety engineer in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, his early career was focused on ensuring compliance, training teams, and reducing workplace risks. But he quickly realized a flaw in the system — many incidents weren’t being reported at all.

"Workers don’t always report hazards, and not because they don’t care," he explains. "Sometimes it’s fear of consequences. Sometimes it’s just human nature — we’re focused on getting the job done. But ignoring small risks leads to big accidents."

That’s where VisionTech’s AI-powered safety monitoring system comes in. Instead of relying on human reporting, VisionTech integrates with existing workplace cameras, using computer vision technology and AI to detect:

  • Spills, fire hazards, and safety violations in real-time
  • Workers at risk of injury due to incorrect lifting techniques or missing PPE
  • Trends in safety culture, helping companies address recurring risks

"Think of it like having an extra set of eyes that never blinks," Stephen says. "Not to police workers, but to protect them."

AI and Safety: Moving Beyond Compliance to Prevention

Unlike traditional workplace monitoring, VisionTech’s AI safety system doesn’t track individuals — it tracks behaviors. The system uses ghosting technology, ensuring that workers’ identities remain anonymous while hazards are flagged instantly.

This shifts the focus from penalizing mistakes to empowering safer work environments.

"Companies say they care about safety, but what does that really mean?" Stephen challenges. "If safety is the priority, why not use every tool available to protect workers before an accident happens?"

And here’s the kicker: VisionTech doesn’t just detect risks. It helps companies act on them.

Instead of logging safety incidents in spreadsheets that go unread, the system transforms safety data into actionable insights — identifying patterns, trends, and areas for improvement that help companies make real, lasting changes.

Why Now? The Urgency for Smarter Safety Solutions

With OSHA regulations tightening and ESG commitments pushing for stronger worker protections, industrial companies are under growing pressure to do more than just meet compliance standards.

At the same time, AI and machine learning have advanced rapidly, making AI-powered safety monitoring more affordable, scalable, and accurate than ever before.

"If we had tried to build this 10 years ago, it wouldn’t have worked," Stephen admits. "The technology wasn’t ready. The market wasn’t ready. But today? It’s the right time, and the right tool for a problem that’s been ignored for too long."

What’s Next for VisionTech?

Currently in the MVP stage, VisionTech is preparing for pilot programs with oil and gas companies to prove its impact in real-world environments. The plan? Scale beyond oil and gas into manufacturing, construction, and any industry where safety matters.

But for Stephen, this isn’t just about launching another safety product — it’s about changing how companies think about protecting their workers.

"Safety isn’t just a compliance box to check," he says. "It’s about people. If companies really believe that ‘our employees are our greatest asset,’ then investing in their safety should be the easiest decision they ever make."

This is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

See the full episode with Stephen Ojji on the Energy Tech Startups Podcast below, or click here to listen.

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Energy Tech Startups Podcast is hosted by Jason Ethier and Nada Ahmed. It delves into Houston's pivotal role in the energy transition, spotlighting entrepreneurs and industry leaders shaping a low-carbon future.

If finalized, the measure would protect an estimated 36 million U.S. workers from injuries related to heat exposure on the job — establishing the first major federal safety standard of its kind. Photo via Getty Images

New rule to protect 36 million workers from extreme heat in Texas, beyond

fired up

President Joe Biden on Tuesday proposed a new rule to address excessive heat in the workplace, warning — as tens of millions of people in the U.S. are under heat advisories — that high temperatures are the country's leading weather-related killer.

If finalized, the measure would protect an estimated 36 million U.S. workers from injuries related to heat exposure on the job — establishing the first major federal safety standard of its kind. Those affected by excessive heat in the workplace include farmworkers, delivery and construction workers, landscapers, and indoor workers in warehouses, factories, and kitchens.

Biden highlighted the proposed rule as one of five steps his Democratic administration is taking to address extreme weather as Hurricane Beryl is already ripping through the Caribbean in an ominous sign for the summer.

Biden used his remarks at the D.C. Emergency Operations Center to blast those Republican lawmakers who deny the existence of climate change, saying, “It's not only outrageous, it's really stupid.” Biden noted that there are human and financial costs from climate change, saying that weather-inflicted damage last year cost the economy $90 billion.

“More people die from extreme heat than floods, hurricanes and tornadoes combined,” Biden said. “These climate fueled extreme weather events don’t just affect people’s lives. They also cost money. They hurt the economy, and they have a significant negative psychological effect on people.”

The Democratic president, who's seeking reelection in part on his environmental record, said that the Federal Emergency Management Agency was also finalizing a rule to factor in possible flooding risks for federal construction projects.

In addition, FEMA was announcing $1 billion in grants to help communities deal with natural disasters, while the Environmental Protection Agency was releasing a new report on climate change's impacts. Lastly, Biden said his administration would hold a conference titled “White House Summit on Extreme Heat” in the coming months.

Despite increased awareness of the risks posed to human health by high temperatures, extreme heat protections — for those routinely exposed to heat index readings above 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius) — have lagged.

“The purpose of this rule is simple,” a senior White House administration official told reporters. “It is to significantly reduce the number of worker-related deaths, injuries, and illnesses suffered by workers who are exposed to excessive heat ... while simply doing their jobs.”

Under the proposed rule, employers would be required to identify heat hazards, develop emergency response plans related to heat illness, and provide training to employees and supervisors on the signs and symptoms of such illnesses. They would also have to establish rest breaks, provide shade and water, and heat acclimatization — or the building of tolerance to higher temperatures — for new workers.

Penalties for heat-related violations in workplaces would increase significantly, in line with what workplaces are issued for violations of Occupational Safety and Health Administration rules, a senior White House administration official said.

An estimated 2,300 people in the U.S. died from heat-related illness in 2023. From 1992 to 2022, a total of 986 workers across all industry sectors in the U.S. died from exposure to heat, with construction accounting for about 34% of all occupational heat-related deaths, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. During that time, 334 construction workers died due to heat exposure on the job.

As the hottest month of the year gets underway, millions of Americans will be at greater risk of heat strokes, dangerous dehydration and heat-related heart stress.

The Labor Department has been developing a standard for how workplaces deal with heat since 2021. Last year, OSHA held meetings to hear about how the proposed measures could affect small businesses.

The AFL-CIO union federation praised the measure. “If finalized, this new rule would address some of the most basic needs for workers’ health and safety,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler.

Heat protection laws in the U.S. have faced steady industry opposition, including from chambers of commerce and other business associations. Many say a blanket mandate would be difficult to implement across such a wide range of industries.

California, Colorado, Oregon, Minnesota and Washington are the only states with workplace standards for heat exposure. Over the past year, Florida and Texas, led by Gov. Ron DeSantis and Gov. Greg Abbott, both Republicans, passed legislation preventing local governments from requiring heat protections for outdoor workers.

If finalized, the Biden administration's rule would override state standards, and states with existing procedures to deal with heat would have to institute measures at least as stringent as the finalized federal rule.

The OSHA plan was announced as the EPA released a new report on climate change indicators in the U.S. The report, last updated in 2016, highlights data showing the continuing and far-reaching impacts of climate change in the U.S. This year’s report adds heat-related workplace deaths and marine heat waves as climate change indicators.

The report lists 57 indicators related to either the causes or effects of climate change.

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CultureMap Emails are Awesome

7 must-attend Houston energy transition events in May 2025

On the Agenda

Editor's note: May is here, and there's a full slate of must-attend energy transition events this month. Mark your calendars for these top events, including OTC 2025, CHARGE North America, and more.Please note: this article may be updated to include additional events.

May 5-9 — OTC 2025

Offshore Technology Conference 2025 will cover the the theme of "Waves of Innovation," covering offshore energy excellence." The premier five-day conference willhighlight the groundbreaking advancements in offshore energy, showcasing the industry's relentless drive for innovation. As global energy needs evolve, the "Waves of Innovation" theme reflects OTC’s commitment to sustainable, cutting-edge technologies that are shaping the future of offshore energy.

Industry leaders will come together to explore new frontiers in offshore energy, emphasizing the operational efficiency, environmental responsibility, and technical excellence required to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s energy landscape.

The Opening Ceremony kicks off Monday, May 5 at 9 am. The event continues at NRG Park through May 9. Click here to register.

May 12-15 — Enverus Evolve Conference

Staying ahead of the curve in the energy sector is critical. This conference is designed to equip energy leaders with foresight in the energy market, providing cutting-edge technological know-how, sessions and networking opportunities industry leaders, and offering practical guidance on how to apply technology to solve big problems.

This event begins May 12 at Hilton Americas Houston. Click here to register.

May 12-13 — Carbon Hub Annual Meeting

The fifth-annual Carbon Hub Annual Meeting will bring together industry, academic, and research leaders at the forefront of the energy and materials transitions. Attendees will have access to thought-provoking discussions and opportunities to connect with innovators across the field. The full agenda has yet to be released, but featured speakers include David Hatrick, Vice President, Strategic Marketing and Innovation, Huntsman Advanced Materials; Luca de Rai, Vice President, Research & Development Energy, Prysmian Group; and Dhaval Shah, General Manager, Corporate Technology & Innovation, SABIC.

This event begins May 12 at Rice University. Click here to register.

May 20-21 — Geothermal Transition Summit North America

This two-day summit serves as the meeting point for the geothermal and oil and gas industries and will focus on geothermal energy, including scaling plants and navigating state regulations. The event promises 50 expert speakers, 15 tech demos, and access to eight networking events featuring approximately 250 industry decision makers.

This event begins May 20 at Norris Conference Centers - Houston CityCentre. Click here to register.

May 27-28 — 6th American LNG Forum

Join LNG industry professionals, innovators, and policymakers to discover groundbreaking technologies that are driving the future of liquified natural gas. Topics will include market dynamics and decarbonization strategies, offering attendees the chance to connect, learn, and become part of the LNG revolution.

This event begins May 27 at the Westin Galleria Houston. Click here to register.

May 28-30 — CHARGE North America

This intimate, immersive experience is tailored to forward-thinking energy professionals. The conference includes hands-on interactive workshops led by top strategists; real-world case studies; and insights from leading speakers on resilient branding, consumer expectations, and climate action. Attendees will engage in panel discussions on sustainability and energy diversification and enjoy exclusive networking opportunities with global executives and innovators.

This event begins May 28 at The Ion. Click here to register.

May 29-30 — 5th Annual American Hydrogen Forum

Connect with hydrogen industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers at the American Hydrogen Forum. Discover groundbreaking technologies and strategies focusing on hydrogen fuel cell technology, hydrogen energy, and low-carbon hydrogen solutions.

This event begins May 29 at the Westin Galleria Houston. Click here to register.

Solugen names Houston founder as new president of energy and water

new leaders

Houston-based biochemical producer Solugen has hired chemical industry veteran James Begeal as its new president of energy and water.

In his new position, Begeal leads the commercial strategy for the energy and produced-water sectors, “bringing our innovative chemistry directly to leading oil and gas operators, accelerating revenue growth, and deepening our commercial pipeline,” Solugen said in a news release.

Begeal has more than 25 years of experience in the chemical industry, including roles at oilfield technology company Baker Hughes and chemical company Clariant. In 2016, he co-founded NexGen Chemical Technologies, a Cypress-based provider of alternative natural-gas sweeteners. Begeal served as chief operating officer and chief technology officer at NexGen, which was acquired by League City-based Foremark Performance Chemicals in 2023. He then joined Foremark, which was acquired by investment firm CC Industries in 2024.

Begeal is no stranger to Solugen, having previously served as a company advisor.

“James is a builder — he knows what it takes to launch, scale, and win in this space,” says Solugen CEO Gaurab Chakrabarti. “We’re excited to have him bring that same builder’s mindset to Solugen as we double down on delivering solutions that meet our customers’ toughest challenges.”

The company also recently named Carlos Diaz as its new VP of strategy and international business. Diaz worked for 18 years at Baker Hughes and will lead Solugen's commercial expansion efforts into Latin America and beyond, according to a company representative.

Solugen, founded in 2016, raised $357 million in a series C venture capital round. The 2021 round catapulted Solugen into the unicorn category, meaning the private company is valued at more than $1 billion.

Weatherford partners with Abu Dhabi-based AI company to boost efficiency

eyes on ai

Houston-headquartered oilfield service company Weatherford International announced a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with AIQ, an Abu Dhabi-based artificial intelligence company, to develop innovative solutions for the energy sector.

"We are excited to partner with AIQ to bring innovative, AI-driven solutions to the oil and gas industry,” Girish Saligram, president and CEO of Weatherford, said in a news release. “This strategic partnership allows us to deliver cutting-edge technologies that empower our customers to maximize their operational efficiency, enhance automation, and reduce costs. By combining our strengths, we are leading the way in helping operators modernize their workflows and achieve greater success in today's rapidly evolving energy landscape.”

The collaboration aims to use Weatherford's software and hardware solutions with AIQ's AI-driven systems. Weatherford and AIQ hope this union will significantly enhance operational efficiency across global oil and gas facilities, help operators to optimize their production workflows and reduce downtime.

The companies have developed the new Modern Edge Integration, which will combine AIQ's AI technology with Weatherford's Modern Edge program. It will enable operators to scale their work processes.

In addition, Weatherford's Universal Normalizer will work with AIQ's capabilities to combine operational and financial analysis. Customers will also now be able to procure software needs via a comprehensive industrial SaaS platform with the WFRD Software Launchpad, which can eliminate the issues associated with managing multiple systems and vendors, and provide a single point of access for all Weatherford and partner-built applications.

"This partnership marks another step in AIQ's mission to build partnerships that accelerate the deployment of impactful AI systems across the energy value chain,” Magzhan Kenesbai, Acting Managing Director of AIQ, said in a news release. “By integrating our advanced AI-driven tools with Weatherford's energy-specific technology, we are driving greater efficiencies to the industry through the development of scalable, automated applications. Together, we are set to empower operators to optimize their workflows, reduce downtime, and achieve unparalleled operational excellence.”