Artificial intelligence is changing work processes, decision-making, and how risk is perceived. That, in turn, is changing what a lived safety culture requires. For occupational safety specialists, a central question emerges: how does their role change when algorithms identify hazards, steer processes, and prepare decisions? Are they being made redundant by AI – or do they actually become more important, because human judgment, trust, and relationship-building matter more than ever? This talk makes the case that even in an AI-driven world of work, the safety specialist remains far more than a manager of technology – they are a shaper of culture. They act as a trusted figure when new technologies create uncertainty, and as a multiplier who carries new insights into everyday practice. And they provide the decisive impulse for a safety culture built on learning rather than control. Practical examples show just how crucial this role remains for the development of a strong safety culture.