The National Safety Council (NSC) has awarded more than $140,000 through its Work to Zero Heat Stress Pilot Grant to support the testing and implementation of cutting-edge technologies designed to prevent heat-related illnesses and fatalities in the workplace.
Since 2011, nearly 500 workers have died from heat-related incidents, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These deaths, experts say, are preventable with proper planning, training, and early detection tools.
“Employers must take meaningful steps to combat the increasing risk of heat-related illnesses and fatalities on the job,” said Katherine Mendoza, senior director of workplace safety programs at the NSC. “This new pilot grant program shows how technology can be used to save lives. By enabling organizations to test innovative solutions in real-world settings, we’re creating a pathway to scalable safety practices that can prevent heat-related tragedies before they happen.”
Grant recipients will partner with technology providers identified through the 2025 Work to Zero Safety Innovation Challenge. These companies offer a range of solutions to detect, manage, and prevent heat stress in the workplace.
The following organizations received pilot grants:
- Allegion and WSP USA will each test handheld cooling and sensor technology developed by Apex Cool Labs.
- Brasfield & Gorrie and United Rentals will deploy wearable safety tech from MākuSafe Corp. to monitor environmental and physiological heat indicators.
- Geo-Technology Associates will assess Critical Ops’ drone-based mapping to mitigate high-heat construction hazards.
- Service Center Metals will evaluate Cryogenx’s rapid body cooling solution for aluminum extrusion workers.
- The Science and Engineering Corps, in collaboration with the Wright Brothers Institute, will test new footwear designed to regulate body temperature in high-risk work environments.
Funded by the McElhattan Foundation, the Work to Zero initiative seeks to eliminate workplace fatalities by accelerating the adoption of life-saving technology. Participating organizations will provide feedback to guide broader industry adoption of these tools.
By: NSC Funds Innovative Solutions to Protect Workers from Heat Hazards — Occupational Health & Safety
