#USA #Washington #Workplace Safety #National Safety Council #heat stress

Innovative Solutions for Worker Safety Against Heat Hazards

The National Safety Council (NSC) has taken a significant step toward safeguarding the workforce from the rising threat of heat stress by awarding over $140,000 through its Work to Zero Heat Stress Pilot Grant. This funding aims to empower employers to implement and test innovative technologies designed to mitigate the risks associated with heat-related illnesses and deaths at work.

Background on Heat Stress in the Workplace

Since 2011, nearly 500 workers have tragically lost their lives due to heat-related incidents while on the job, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These deaths are preventable with the right planning, training, and tools. It is crucial for employers to recognize the urgency of this issue and take appropriate action to safeguard their workers.

Katherine Mendoza, Senior Director of Workplace Safety Programs at NSC, emphasizes the importance of proactive measures. “Employers must take meaningful steps to combat the increasing risk of heat-related illnesses and fatalities on the job,” she stated. The NSC’s pilot grant program showcases how technology can be leveraged to enhance workplace safety and save lives, offering a pathway to scalable solutions that can prevent heat-related tragedies.

Pilot Program Participants and Their Innovative Approaches

The funding recipients of the Work to Zero Heat Stress Pilot Grant will collaborate with top technology providers from the 2025 Work to Zero Safety Innovation Challenge. These partnerships will implement state-of-the-art solutions for detecting, managing, and preventing incidents of heat stress. Some key participants include:

• - Allegion and WSP USA: They will trial Apex Cool Labs' handheld cooling and sensor technology in their industries to elevate heat safety.
• - Brasfield & Gorrie and United Rentals: These companies will utilize MākuSafe Corp's wearable safety technology to gather crucial environmental and physical data that signals early indicators of heat stress risks.
• - Geo-Technology Associates: They will employ Critical Ops' drone-based precision mapping at their high-heat construction sites to effectively mitigate heat stress.
• - Service Center Metals: This organization will assess Cryogenx's rapid body cooling solution to protect workers in the aluminum extrusion sector who are exposed to extreme temperatures.
• - The Science and Engineering Corps: Partnering with the Wright Brothers Institute, they will pilot footwear technology designed to maintain body coolness across various high-risk industries.

Funding and Future Implications

The Work to Zero initiative, funded by the McElhattan Foundation, aspires to eradicate workplace fatalities through the advancement of technological solutions. The outcomes and insights gained from this pilot program will allow other organizations to comprehend the tangible benefits of these technologies and the best practices for implementing them in their workplaces.

Closing Thoughts

The proactive stance taken by NSC through this innovative funding is a commendable effort in addressing the increasing concern of heat stress in the workplace. As companies test and evaluate these cutting-edge technologies, there lies a potential to significantly enhance the safety measures for employees working under hazardous conditions. By fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement, we can move toward a future where heat-related workplace incidents become a thing of the past. For more details on the Work to Zero initiative and its impact on workplace safety, visit nsc.org/worktozero.