The most advanced systems in the world are only as reliable as their safest component. With AI data center racks exceeding 100 kilowatts (kW) and installed IT capacity is reaching toward 253.5 megawatts (MW) by 2028, critical infrastructure now delivers greater electrical and thermal intensity within constrained footprints. As a result, workplace safety is addressing conditions that didn't exist just five years ago. AI and safety aren’t competing priorities—they’re interdependent. To realize the full potential of AI, the industry must have safety plans that don't just react but also anticipate.

Vertiv responds to evolving industry demands based on two principles: designing safeguards that scale with technological density and treating safety as a continuous process rather than a fixed standard. For Vertiv, advancing safety is about creating environments where security enables progress.

The Vertiv Operating System: Safety built for the AI revolution

Vertiv integrates safety into the core of its operation through the Vertiv Operating System (VOS), a framework that ties safety metrics to executive-level reviews. Daily tier meetings at each site assess Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) performance using leading and lagging indicators, with findings escalated monthly to the CEO and Board of Directors. This structured approach is reinforced by a company-wide mindset that elevates safety beyond compliance. As Bob Marshall, Vice President of EHS at Vertiv, explains:

"Safety is not just a policy—it is a core value and mindset for each of us. Empowering everyone to share and implement this safety-first vision strengthens our culture and company."

This ethos is embedded in Vertiv’s global occupational health and safety management system, aligned with ISO 45001:2018. Teams track gaps identified during audits to closure, providing a consistent baseline of safety performance across all sites.

Empowering action through culture and programs

Vertiv reinforces a safety-first mindset through company-wide programs designed to empower employees at every level. "We Lead with Safety" enables individuals to halt work when they identify a hazard, while the "Good Catch" program encourages reporting near misses as feedback for systemic improvement. Together, these initiatives foster a culture of mutual accountability—employees are expected to act, and leaders must respond. This shared responsibility applies in executive boardrooms or factory floors, where operational risks demand constant attention.

Raising the bar on quality and safety

Vertiv manufacturing facilities, certified to ISO 9001:2015, implement layered chemical controls. Every chemical shipment triggers immediate hazard evaluation, with storage or handling systems designed to meet Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS), and Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) standards—verified through annual usage reviews and facility walk-throughs. This process includes thorough documentation of chemical inventories, proactive engagement with suppliers, and hazard assessment before any task. Storage and delivery equipment are customized to meet material compatibility requirements, and protective equipment is tailored to operational risk.

Managing risk with supplier engagement

Safety systems extend beyond compliance. Procurement teams pre-qualify suppliers for safety, while cross-functional reviews assess new chemicals or process changes. The result is a closed-loop approach where inventory accuracy and PPE protocols adapt to operational shifts.

Training for evolving risks

The Vertiv Global Learning initiative prepares employees to respond confidently to modern data center challenges. New hires complete the "My First 90 Days @Vertiv" onboarding program, and all employees participate in recurring training on health and safety, the Vertiv Code of Conduct, and other role-relevant topics.

In 2024, the company delivered approximately 606,000 hours of training to employees and partners, emphasizing technical depth and operational safety. Vertiv reinforces learning through the VOS structure, OpenSesame's digital platform, and tuition assistance for certifications, enabling continuous professional development aligned with evolving risks.

Source: Vertiv Responsible Business Report 2024

Building field expertise through technical training

Service technicians receive targeted training to build technical skills and confirm their ability to perform field tasks safely. All new technicians complete an intensive onboarding program. As they advance, they undergo training to work on more complex products and systems.

Vertiv operates five Global Training Academies and 26 Regional Training Centers to provide consistent, up-to-date instruction. Training reflects real-world conditions and combines PPE protocols with procedures for integrated hardware and software systems. This hands-on approach supports accuracy and safety in the field—particularly in high-density environments where both are critical.

Embedding safety into every layer

Safety plays a foundational role in enabling the AI revolution. When integrated into day-today operations, technical training, and supplier engagement, it keeps pace with increasing complexity across AI data center environments. At Vertiv, safety is built into the operating system, woven into how work gets done, not layered on after the fact.

The company enables teams to address risk early and consistently through shared responsibility, structured learning, and embedded controls. This approach supports both operational performance and workforce protection in a fast-moving industry. In the end, the most advanced systems in the world are only as strong as the people behind them.

See how safety scales at Vertiv

Explore the One Vertiv, One World: Responsible Business Report 2024 to discover how the company integrates safety across operations, training, and supply chain practices.