At what temperature/humidity does heat stress become a threat to employee safety and performance?
Heat stress can become a threat at a range of temperatures/humidity levels based on the individual (sensitivity, acclimatization, hydration levels, what they’re wearing, how hard they’re working, etc.). Approaches that provide heat stress relief to any degree are of interest.
Are international submissions eligible for consideration in the Safety Innovation Challenge?
Yes. NSC welcomes global responses with relevant technologies that can reduce the frequency or severity of thermal stress incidents in the workplace.
Can I indicate a specific occupation or NSC member company that could benefit from my proposed technology?
While it is not a requirement, you may indicate companies that could achieve noteworthy reductions in heat stress incident rates. Conversely, your submission can focus on heat stress reductions without specifying a company, industry, occupation or location.
What is the Future of EHS Conference?
The Future of EHS Conference is a three-day program bringing together EHS professionals, business leaders, researchers and solutions providers for an open exchange of forward-looking ideas, the latest in safety innovations and best practices.
If I have more than one in-scope technology, can I respond more than once?
Absolutely. However, you may wish to consider submitting a single omnibus response if the technologies achieve greater performance when used together.
Is there a minimum reduction in frequency or severity desired by the National Safety Council?
While eliminating all negative impacts from heat stress in the workplace is the goal, any technologies that reduce the occurrence or impact of heat stress are welcome through this Safety Innovation Challenge, regardless of the reduction the technology provides.
Is there a minimum technical maturity for participating in the Safety Innovation Challenge?
While commercially available technologies are of strongest interest, NSC is also interested in less mature approaches. Technologies not currently ready for field usage should be ready for pilot-scale testing within 24 months.
Who will review proposed technologies submitted as part of the Safety Innovation Challenge?
A panel of experts will evaluate all eligible submissions. That panel may include NSC staff, safety professionals from NSC member companies or external advisors knowledgeable on safety technology and/or heat stress management.
Are technologies intended for use outside the workplace in scope for the Safety Innovation Challenge?
All technologies proposed for the Safety Innovation Challenge must be suitable for use in a work environment. However, dual-use technologies (work and home) are potentially of interest, provided there is a strong, clear use case for workplace deployment.
I’ve got a great idea for managing heat stress, but I don’t have a business or a way to commercialize it. Can I still participate in this Challenge?
The goal of the Safety Innovation Challenge is to connect technology providers to the extensive membership of the National Safety Council. While conceptual and other early-stage technologies are potentially of interest, the respondent organization must have the ability to develop the proposed technology with the intention to deploy it in the field.