Lower Risk

Trades

Excavation Worker

AI is poised to impact excavation workers primarily through advancements in autonomous heavy machinery and computer vision. Self-driving excavators and bulldozers, powered by AI, can automate repetitive tasks and improve efficiency. Computer vision can enhance safety by detecting obstacles and preventing accidents. LLMs are less directly applicable to the core physical tasks but could assist with planning and reporting.

Top risks:

Operate excavating machinery to move earth, rock, or other materials60%
Read and interpret blueprints, plans, and specifications to determine excavation requirements40%
Inspect and maintain excavating machinery to ensure proper functioning50%

Trades

Power Plant Operator

AI is poised to impact power plant operators through advanced monitoring systems, predictive maintenance, and automated control systems. Computer vision can enhance safety inspections, while machine learning algorithms can optimize plant performance and predict equipment failures. LLMs can assist with documentation and reporting.

Top risks:

Monitor and interpret readings from various instruments and control panels to maintain optimal plant operations.60%
Start up and shut down power generation equipment, including turbines, generators, and boilers.40%
Adjust equipment settings and controls to maintain stable and efficient power generation.70%

Side-by-Side Metrics

Metric	Excavation Worker	Power Plant Operator
Risk Score	67%	72%
Risk Level	High Risk	Critical Risk
Timeline	5-10 years	5-10 years
Category	Trades	Trades
Tasks at Risk	6 tasks	7 tasks
Skills at Risk	4 skills	4 skills
Safe Skills	4 skills	5 skills

Risk Comparison

Excavation Worker67%

Power Plant Operator72%

Excavation Worker has 5 percentage points lower risk than Power Plant Operator.

Tasks at Risk

Excavation Worker Tasks at Risk

Operate excavating machinery to move earth, rock, or other materials60%

5-10 years

Read and interpret blueprints, plans, and specifications to determine excavation requirements40%

5-10 years

Inspect and maintain excavating machinery to ensure proper functioning50%

5-10 years

Follow safety procedures and regulations to prevent accidents and injuries30%

5-10 years

Grade and level earth to specified elevations using surveying equipment70%

5-10 years

Power Plant Operator Tasks at Risk

Monitor and interpret readings from various instruments and control panels to maintain optimal plant operations.60%

5-10 years

Start up and shut down power generation equipment, including turbines, generators, and boilers.40%

10+ years

Adjust equipment settings and controls to maintain stable and efficient power generation.70%

5-10 years

Perform routine inspections and maintenance on power plant equipment.50%

5-10 years

Respond to alarms and abnormal operating conditions, taking corrective actions to prevent equipment damage or power outages.60%

5-10 years

Skills Comparison

Shared AI-Resistant Skills(valuable in both careers)

Complex problem-solving

Excavation Worker -- Safe Skills

Complex problem-solvingAdaptability to unexpected site conditionsCoordination with human teamsCritical thinking in emergencies

Excavation Worker -- Skills at Risk

Operating heavy machineryGrading and levelingBasic equipment maintenanceFollowing blueprints

Power Plant Operator -- Safe Skills

Critical thinkingComplex problem-solvingEmergency responseRegulatory interpretationTeamwork and communication

Power Plant Operator -- Skills at Risk

Data analysisEquipment monitoringRoutine maintenanceReport generation

Recommendations