The National Safety Council has awarded more than $140,000 in grants to help employers combat occupational heat stress through innovative technology solutions.
The dangers of occupational heat exposure represent a significant and increasing workplace safety challenge across multiple industries, according to the NSC.
Bureau of Labor Statistics data reveals nearly 500 workers have died from heat-related workplace incidents since 2011. These fatalities are particularly concerning because they are largely preventable with proper planning, training, and early warning systems.
Heat-related deaths and illnesses often occur when workers lack adequate rest periods, hydration, or cooling mechanisms while working in high-temperature environments. As climate patterns shift and extreme heat events become more common, the risk to workers in construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and other outdoor or high-heat indoor environments continues to grow.
“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 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.”
Bridging Safety Gaps Through Technological Innovation
The Heat Stress Pilot Grant represents a significant opportunity to address a critical safety gap through practical technological applications, according to the NSC.
While innovative heat safety technologies exist, many organizations lack the resources or knowledge to effectively deploy them. By funding implementation pilots, NSC is creating valuable case studies that can guide future adoption across industries.
Each grant recipient will test specific technologies designed to detect early signs of heat stress, provide cooling solutions, or monitor environmental conditions that contribute to heat-related incidents. Participating organizations will share their findings to help others understand both the impact of these technologies and best practices for implementation.
Real-World Applications of Heat Safety Technology
The grant recipients represent diverse industries and will implement a range of innovative technologies to protect workers from heat-related illnesses:
- Allegion and WSP USA will trial Apex Cool Labs’ handheld cooling and sensor technology, providing both immediate relief and data-driven insights into heat exposure conditions. This technology offers a portable solution that can be deployed across various work environments.
- Brasfield & Gorrie and United Rentals will implement MākuSafe Corp.’s wearable safety technology to collect environmental and physiological data, creating an early warning system for heat stress risks. The wearable devices monitor key indicators that signal potential heat-related issues before they become dangerous.
- Geo-Technology Associates will test Critical Ops’ drone-based precision mapping to identify and mitigate heat stress risks at high-heat construction sites. This technology provides a comprehensive view of thermal conditions across large worksites, enabling targeted interventions.
- Service Center Metals will evaluate Cryogenx’s rapid body cooling solution to protect aluminum extrusion workers exposed to extreme heat conditions, providing emergency intervention capabilities when workers show signs of heat stress.
- The Science and Engineering Corps will collaborate with the Wright Brothers Institute to pilot innovative footwear technology designed to keep the body cool consistently across various high-risk industries. This technology addresses the challenge of sustainable cooling in environments where traditional cooling methods are impractical.
Learn more about the NSC grant program here.