NSC Announces Participants for Safety Innovation Challenge Addressing Hazardous Energy Risks

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Safety Council announced the 10 solution providers selected to participate in the Work to Zero Safety Innovation Challenge, taking place during the NSC Safety Congress & Expo Sept. 14-16 in Indianapolis. Launched by the NSC Work to Zero initiative, in partnership with McElhattan Foundation, the Safety Innovation Challenge builds on the Council’s commitment to preventing serious workplace incidents and fatalities. 

Hosted in collaboration with TechConnect, a division of Advanced Technology International, this year’s challenge focuses on hazardous energy control, which addresses worker exposure to dangerous chemical, electrical, hydraulic, mechanical, pneumatic and thermal energy sources. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 140 workers died from electrocution in 2023, while nearly 50 workers lost their lives due to uncontrolled hazardous energy.

"Every worker deserves to return home safely at the end of the day," said Dr. Matt Law, director of Work to Zero at NSC. "Through the Safety Innovation Challenge, we're identifying emerging technologies that can help organizations better control hazardous energy, strengthen safety practices and protect workers. We look forward to showcasing how these innovative solutions can accelerate progress toward our goal of eliminating workplace fatalities."

Safety Innovation Challenge participants include:

• AlchLight LLC: SecureCore technology enhances industrial valve sealing surfaces to reduce hazardous energy leaks caused by corrosion, fouling and wear
• BleedIO Tech: Hazardous Energy Awareness Network integrates smart lockout devices, sensors and wearable alerts to provide real-time visibility into hazardous energy conditions and lockout and tagout procedures
• FibrX: AI-powered platform that combines fiber optic sensing, edge analytics and digital twins to continuously monitor industrial equipment to detect hazardous conditions before workers are exposed
• LABEN – University of Pavia: A platform that analyzes and interprets real-time equipment data to verify zero energy states and alert workers to potential hazardous energy risks
• Lauretta AI, LLC: EnergyGuard uses existing cameras and sensors to identify hazardous energy risks and deliver real-time worker alerts
• Master Lock: The cLOTO™ platform digitizes lockout and tagout procedures with guided workflows, real-time monitoring and automated compliance documentation
• Namatad: CrossCheck uses mobile devices, wearables and geofencing to monitor hazardous energy work and strengthen lockout and tagout safety
• NanoSieve Inc.: Autonomous technology detects and removes hazardous gases in real time to help protect workers and critical infrastructure
• Otterlocks: Safe Sync replaces traditional lockout and tagout padlocks with connected smart locks for real-time monitoring and automated compliance
• Valkim Technologies LLC: A safe robotic platform that performs remote inspections in hazardous environments to reduce worker exposure 

Each participant will showcase its solution in the Safety Technology Pavilion at the NSC Safety Congress & Expo, with three selected participants advancing to present their technologies live during the event. The technology providers will also have the opportunity to participate in the Work to Zero Pilot Grant Program, which helps organizations evaluate and implement promising solutions in real-world environments.

Work to Zero is part of the Council’s ongoing effort to eliminate workplace fatalities through the advancement and adoption of technology-based safety solutions. To learn more, visit nsc.org/worktozero or register for the NSC Safety Congress & Expo.

About the National Safety Council
The National Safety Council is America’s leading nonprofit safety advocate – and has been for over 110 years. As a mission-based organization, we work to eliminate the leading causes of preventable death and injury, focusing our efforts on the workplace and roadways. We create a culture of safety to not only keep people safer at work, but also beyond the workplace so they can live their fullest lives.

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