How innovation is helping reduce serious incidents and fatalities.
More than 5,000 workers tragically lose their lives on the job each year in the United States. While overall injury rates have declined over time, serious incidents and fatalities (SIFs) have not followed the same downward trend.
This challenge is at the heart of the National Safety Council Work to Zero initiative, which is focused on eliminating workplace fatalities by advancing evidence-based solutions — including the thoughtful use of safety technology.
SIF rates remain stubbornly high, even as many organizations report improvements in overall safety performance. Preventing the most serious outcomes requires identifying and controlling hazards before incidents occur. That’s where technology can make a meaningful difference.
Today’s tools can help organizations:
According to the Work to Zero Safety Technology 2024 report, 83% of employees said they are open to trying new safety technologies. Consideration, testing and use of safety technologies also increased significantly from 2020 to 2023.
As evidence builds and more organizations share results, safety technology is becoming a more common and trusted part of SIF prevention strategies.
Through research, pilot projects and employer engagement, Work to Zero has identified several technology categories with strong potential to reduce SIFs now and in the years ahead:
Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Analytics
AI is increasingly embedded across safety technologies, powering computer vision, predictive risk modeling and AI assistants. These tools can identify patterns and support proactive decision-making before incidents occur.
Digital Safety Management Systems
Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) software and mobile applications help organizations track and streamline traditionally manual tasks like incident reports, inspections, training and compliance.
Immersive Training
Virtual and augmented reality allow workers to practice tasks and respond to hazards in realistic but controlled environments. These tools support consistent, repeatable training, especially for high-risk or infrequent tasks.
Industrial Wearables
Wearables can monitor location, fatigue, posture and environmental conditions. Some devices track health indicators like heart rate, heat stress or physical strain. Others use proximity sensors to reduce struck-by and caught-between risks while generating data to improve work design and controls.
Robotics and Automation
Robotics, drones and automated systems reduce the need for workers to perform repetitive, physically demanding or dangerous tasks, such as confined space entry, work at height or inspections in extreme conditions.
Sensor-Based Monitoring
Fixed and mobile sensors detect unsafe conditions, unauthorized access and equipment movement. These tools are especially valuable in high-risk areas like work zones, warehouses and facilities with heavy equipment.
Through pilot projects, case studies and research, Work to Zero has seen safety technologies contribute to:
For example, Work to Zero conducted a case study with a company in the energy sector that used drones and crawling robots to inspect high-pressure boiler systems. This approach eliminated more than 60,000 hours of high-risk work and delivered at least $10 million in production- and safety-related improvements. It demonstrates how removing workers from hazards entirely can significantly reduce risk.
At the same time, tools that are introduced without worker involvement, clear communication or proper training often fail to deliver results. Successful implementation requires trust, transparency and alignment with workers and risks.
As safety technology advances, certain principles become increasingly important:
Safety technology is not a silver bullet. But when it is paired with strong leadership, worker involvement and evidence-based practices, it can significantly reduce exposure to the hazards most likely to cause serious incidents and fatalities.
That is the focus of Work to Zero: helping organizations move beyond awareness and toward action that saves lives.
Visit nsc.org/worktozero to explore safety technology research, tools and pilot insights. Employers can also download the Small Business Guide to Safety Technology for practical guidance on getting started.
With a century-long legacy, the National Safety Council is a global center for safety expertise. Let's work together to align resources. We look forward to learning about ways we can join efforts to expand safety everywhere!
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