OH&S Reveals Winners of 15th Annual New Product of the Year Contest
OH&S recognizes the companies that delivered especially noteworthy products this year.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Nov 08, 2023
As industries react and adjust to an ever-changing world, manufacturers and companies alike continue to push forward. Likewise, safety companies have risen to the occasion of meeting these emerging needs with innovative new products. Perhaps more than ever, it’s imperative to celebrate these wins and acknowledge their contributions to keeping workers safe.
To that end, we are pleased to announce the 25 companies that won the 15th annual New Product of the Year contest in 2023. Top winners included Shurtape Technologies with four wins and Andax Industries, Mechanix Wear and Protective Industrial Products with three wins each.
This year’s contest attracted the second-highest number of entries in the history of the program. Outstanding products were awarded in 35 distinct categories, with an independent panel of highly qualified judges selecting the winners from an impressive group of entrants.
“I’ve been involved with other awards programs in my career, but the turnout for this year’s OH&S New Product of the Year Award was really gratifying to see,” OH&S publisher and executive editor David Kopf said. “It just goes to show that this is a vibrant, active industry full of vendors that are dedicated to releasing new offerings that help keep workers safe.”
In addition to being featured in Occupational Health & Safety magazine, winners are also featured on OH&S’ industry-leading website, ohsonline.com, and receive a trophy commemorating their win. Below is a list of all our 2023 New Product of the Year Winners in their respective categories.
Asset Tracking/Management
Shurtape Technologies: PXL BR Duck Pro by Shurtape BR Code Heavy Duty, Permanent Scannable Labels
BR Code™ scannable solutions is a groundbreaking collection of adhesive tape and label products designed to revolutionize the connection between digital information and physical locations. Available from Duck Pro® by Shurtape® brand, PXL BR heavy-duty, permanent scannable labels is the ultimate solution for securely connecting physical locations to digital information in applications that demand extreme durability. With preprinted PXL BR labels, you can effortlessly link text, photos, video links, maintenance documentation and more to any physical object. More product info: short.gy/2SBwRI
Confined Space Safety
RKI Instruments, Inc.: GX-Force
With the GX-Force Portable 4 Gas Monitor, you have multiple tools in one instrument. Having 2 operating modes, the GX-Force can be used for confined space, safety monitoring in its Normal Operating mode. A Leak Check mode is the solution for all leak investigations. The GX-Force is RKI’s smallest personal 1-4 gas monitor with a strong built-in sample pump capable of a 100’ sampling range. Weighing only 9.8 ounces, the GX-Force can monitor the standard confined space. More product info: short.gy/p3GKX4
EHS Software (tie)
Cority Software Inc.: Cority’s Remote Expert – Telehealth
Cority’s Remote Expert – Telehealth feature allows occupational health professionals to deliver virtual health services to their employees when and where it is most convenient. Through Cority’s partnership with Zoom, customers can seamlessly facilitate telehealth appointments within Cority’s Occupational Health solution ensuring their employees can access and receive timely, high-quality occupational healthcare services. The solution allows for easy telehealth appointment scheduling and management through a seamless user experience, while ensuring confidential health data is confidently protected to the highest standards possible. More product info: short.gy/7AdB2H
Shurtape Technologies: PXL BR Duck Pro by Shurtape BR Code Heavy Duty, Permanent Scannable Labels
BR Code™ scannable solutions is a groundbreaking collection of adhesive tape and label products designed to revolutionize the connection between digital information and physical locations. Available from Duck Pro® by Shurtape® brand, PXL BR heavy-duty, permanent scannable labels is the ultimate solution for securely connecting physical locations to digital information in applications that demand extreme durability. With preprinted PXL BR labels, you can effortlessly link text, photos, video links, maintenance documentation and more to any physical object. More product info: short.gy/2SBwRI
Electrical Safety
Honeywell: PrismShield Plus Face Shield
Honeywell Salisbury continues its commitment to provide utility and commercial & industrial workers the most innovative and best-in-class solutions for arc flash safety and protection. The one-piece, double-curved design of the PrismShield™ Plus face shield provides users the largest viewing window currently available in the industry which increases user capability to look down more easily as well as their side-to-side peripheral vision. Built on nanoparticle technology, the Bronze PrismShield™ Plus lens offers increased color differentiation and improved light transmittance. More product info: short.gy/QxrU8L
Emergency Showers & Eyewash
Haws Corporation: 7660 Hand Wash Sink with Axion MSR Eye/Face Wash
An isolated, turnkey station for hand, face and eyewash, the 7660 Hand Wash Sink is a space-saving solution for safety and compliance where the eyes or face may be exposed to injurious or corrosive materials—and handwashing hygiene is of the utmost importance. The 7660 Hand Wash Sink consists of a wall-mounted, barrier-free hand wash sink equipped with a motion-activated gooseneck handwashing faucet and integrated Haws AXION ® MSR eye/face wash. More product info: hawsco.com
Employee Testing
Examinetics: Salux
Salux™ is a hearing testing and training solution designed expressly by a hearing conservation company for safety managers and occupational nurses to meet the specific needs of regulatory compliance. It was internally developed based on industry feedback to solve the pain points around hearing testing on a mobile vehicle. Salux allows companies to use one system to get the benefits of what they like about the different hearing testing methods, combining the best of clinics, mobile units and portable audiometers. More product info: short.gy/0hnpm1
Fall Prevention
Magellan X Ptd. Ltd.: Sol-X Solution
SOL-X is an IIoT-enabled Connected worker platform that improves the occupational Health & safety of the worker. It is also compatible with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Long-Range Bluetooth. SOL-X Control Of Work is a component of the comprehensive software and hardware, to streamline workflows, data validation and authorized workers’ signoffs, and to improve compliance assurance. The wearable offers a robust approach to safety and risk management by providing near real-time data on workers’ workload and well-being insights. More product info: short.gy/nu4fFI
Fall Protection: Harness/SRL
Honeywell: Honeywell Miller H700 Full Body Harness
Honeywell H700 utility safety harness range—Our harness designed for utility workers at risk of falls has ergonomic design elements enhancing freedom of movement and allowing for prolonged positioning at height. Its anti-fatigue design, created with the help of pressure-mapping technology to assess pressure distribution, helps minimize the risk of back and waist injuries. The harness is constructed predominantly with sustainable materials, including 100% recycled padding and webbing certified by the Global Recycling Standard (GRS). More product info: short.gy/3DZkfK
Foot Protection: Toe/Metatarsal Protection
KEEN Utility: KEEN Utility’s Fort Wayne Work Boot
KEEN Utility reinvents the jobsite-classic moc toe wedge work boot with 21st-century materials and construction methods. Featuring a wrap-over rubber cap to protect toe materials and stitching for added durability, the Fort Wayne offers flexibility and traction that blends proven grit with modern design. Other standout features include a direct-attached Luftcell air-infused, PU midsole for weightless comfort, a Barnyard Resistant leather upper, and KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane. Other safety enhancements include asymmetrical carbon-fiber safety toes that are unobtrusive and 15% lighter than steel. More product info: short.gy/aBzwIy
Foot Protection: Transitional Styles
Heartland Footwear Inc: Leader ENS
The Leader boot is the most innovative, comfortable industrial safety boot. The ENS Leader Boot - designed, assembled and built in the USA with global components - delivers best in class comfort, durability, exposure resistance, and debris evacuation. The ENS boot combines leading edge proprietary vulcanized rubber and high evacuation / superior non-slip triangle outsole design with unique blended thermoplastic elastomer material to deliver a superior protective industrial boot. More product info: heartlandfootwearinc.com
Hand Protection: Chemical/Liquid- Resistant
Mechanix Wear: SpeedKnit M-Pact Chemical S77DQ58
Featuring an ANSI cut level A7 rating and EN level F cut resistance rated 15-gauge HPPE blended shell that maintains comfortable snug fit. The double-dipped layered coating combining a sandy nitrile grip palm on top of a 3/4 proprietary nitrile bi-polymer coating that extends from the fingers to the back of the hand provides a waterproof, chemical-resistant barrier that is EN374-JKOT certified. An anatomically designed TPR knuckle guard meets ANSI 138 Level 2 impact standards for an added sense of safety without compromising dexterity. More product info: short.gy/rjLrjg
Hand Protection: Impact-Resistant
Mechanix Wear: SpeedKnit M-Pact Chemical S77DQ58
Featuring an ANSI cut level A7 rating and EN level F cut resistance rated 15-gauge HPPE blended shell that maintains comfortable snug fit. The double-dipped layered coating combining a sandy nitrile grip palm on top of a 3/4 proprietary nitrile bi-polymer coating that extends from the fingers to the back of the hand provides a waterproof, chemical-resistant barrier that is EN374-JKOT certified. An anatomically designed TPR knuckle guard meets ANSI 138 Level 2 impact standards for an added sense of safety without compromising dexterity. More product info: short.gy/rjLrjg
Hand Protection: Puncture- Cut/Resistant (tie)
Majestic Glove: 35-7505 Cut-Less KorPlex Cut Resistant Glove with Premium PU Coating
This seamless knit glove has 18-gauge KorPlex™ cut resistant technology, premium PU palm coating for superior dexterity, grip and durability, is touch screen capable, an extended knit cuff for a more secure fit and increased cut protection, pre-curved finger design to minimize hand fatigue. It’s also ANSI Cut Level A5, EN 4x42D and comes in Sizes XS-X2. More product info: tinyurl.com/27s2bb8m
Protective Industrial Products: G-Tek PolyKor Ultra Lightweight 21-Gauge Work Glove
These ultra-lightweight and breathable 21-gauge seamless knit cut resistant gloves deliver the best dexterity and tactile sensitivity available in the market. The 16-541 is extremely comfortable to wear with trusted ANSI A4 cut resistance and a level 3 abrasion resistance rating. The touchscreen compatible polyurethane palm coating provides a tactile grip in dry and slightly oily conditions, making these gloves ideal for applications that require precise handling. A reinforced thumb crotch adds durability and extends the lifespan of each glove. More product info: tinyurl.com/4dmpsjzc
Head Protection
Protective Industrial Products: PIP Traverse Safety Helmet with Mips Technology
This ANSI Z98.1 Certified Type II, Class E industrial climbing helmet offers superior impact protection while working at heights, ground level and/or in confined spaces. The Traverse™ features a super lightweight ABS shell and an integrated EPS inner shell foam liner that work in conjunction with the highly adjustable 4-point HDPE inner suspension to provide exceptional protection from top of head and lateral impact hazards. More product info: tinyurl.com/469cmbw2
Health and Safety/Containment
Andax Industries: Pad Mount Transformer Containment Bag
The Pad Mount Transformer Containment Bag™ (TCB-095) is a containment solution for leaking and non-leaking electric utility pad mount transformers. It is an extremely strong, puncture resistant containment solution for the prevention of leaks and spills during change outs and transportation and can help prevent electric utility employee accidents and environmental damage caused by leaks and/or contamination. The TCB-095 includes a clear outdoor weather cap to allow for simple, safe outdoor weather resistant storage while also providing DOT compliance while transporting transformers. More product info: tinyurl.com/yc2cca35
Hearing Protection
Examinetics: Salux
Salux™ is a hearing testing and training solution designed expressly by a hearing conservation company for safety managers and occupational nurses to meet the specific needs of regulatory compliance. It was internally developed based on industry feedback to solve the pain points around hearing testing on a mobile vehicle. Salux allows companies to use one system to get the benefits of what they like about the different hearing testing methods, combining the best of clinics, mobile units and portable audiometers. More product info: short.gy/0hnpm1
Heat Stress Prevention
Magid Glove and Safety: Magid Cool Powered by Mission Cooling Flame-Resistant Technology
Magid® Cool Powered by Mission® FR is a first-to-market flame-resistant cooling gaiter and towel for workers that require NFPA 70E CAT 1 Compliant cooling gear. Magid Cool proprietary FR cooling technology is chemical-free, machine washable, reusable, and provides flame-resistance. With just a little water of any temperature, this HydroActive™ fabric cools to 30 degrees below the average body temperature in under 60 seconds and stays cool for up to two hours. More product info: tinyurl.com/nardds7u
High Visibility Products
Werner: NXT1A Series Fiberglass Stepladders
High-visibility yellow at the tops of ladders provides long-range and roofline visibility across a jobsite. High-visibility feet draw peripheral vision to ladder feet to avoid kicks and trips on hectic jobsites. For fiberglass ladders, the high-visibility colors at the top and bottom will allow Werner to standardize ladder rail colors to make it easy to choose the right duty-rating for the job. More product info: tinyurl.com/mryvk9jb
Industrial Hygiene – Calibrators
Sensidyne, LP: Gilian Go-Cal Pro
The Gilian Go-Cal Pro from Sensidyne is the only portable air flow calibrator with 1% accuracy across the entire 3 flow ranges – Low 5-600cc/min, Standard 500-5000cc/min, High 3-30LPM. The Go-Cal Pro allows users to confidently set & verify an accurate flow rate to ensure their sampling pump system is operating as intended. The Go-Cal Pro is an air flow calibrator, engineered with mass flow differential pressure technology. More product info: sensidyne.com/GCP
Industrial Hygiene – Dust Control
EXAIR: 1/2 NPT HollowStream Liquid Atomizing Nozzle
EXAIR’s new 1/2 NPT HollowStream™ liquid atomizing spray nozzle provides a hollow cone spray pattern for pressurized liquids. They are applied to solve many problems including cooling, cleaning, rinsing and dust suppression applications for industry. The tangential flow design is vaneless, with wide open internal features to resist clogging and work well with liquids containing particulate. These liquid nozzles produce a uniform distribution of liquid in a ring pattern with medium to large droplets. More product info: exair.co/hollow12
Industrial Hygiene – Gas Monitors
Industrial Scientific: Ventis Pro5: PID Gas Detector
Equipped with the most advanced and accurate PID sensing technology (ION Science MiniPID v2 0-2000 ppm), the Ventis Pro5 is now the most compact and reliable, connected five-gas personal monitor available to reliably detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The PID sensor is a simple plug-and-play sensor able to deliver a dynamic and dependable response to thousands of VOCs. A versatile and dynamic tool for HSE Managers and Industrial Hygienists. More product info: tinyurl.com/3v4ybhza
Industrial Hygiene - Software
SlateSafety: SlateSafety Go
SlateSafety Go is an innovative mobile app designed to enhance the capabilities of safety professionals, particularly industrial hygienists, in monitoring and protecting their teams from overexertion and heat stress. SlateSafety Go offers a range of features that enable real-time physiological monitoring and data analysis. Available for download on both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store, SlateSafety Go expands the connectivity of SlateSafety's wearable safety solution, the BAND V2. More product info: slatesafety.com/
Inspection Documentation Automation
Shurtape Technologies: PXL BR Duck Pro by Shurtape BR Code Heavy Duty, Permanent Scannable Labels
BR Code™ scannable solutions is a groundbreaking collection of adhesive tape and label products designed to revolutionize the connection between digital information and physical locations. Available from Duck Pro® by Shurtape® brand, PXL BR heavy-duty, permanent scannable labels is the ultimate solution for securely connecting physical locations to digital information in applications that demand extreme durability. With preprinted PXL BR labels, you can effortlessly link text, photos, video links, maintenance documentation and more to any physical object. More product info: short.gy/2SBwRI
Internet of Things (tie)
Blackline Safety: G6 Single Gas Wearable
The all-new G6 personal gas detector offers fast incident response time and a more efficient way to manage safety and compliance. What makes G6 truly unique is its long-lasting connectivity, which outlasts the competition. This means industrial organizations can fully harness real-time vital safety data for the first time in scenarios where disposable, traditional beep-and-flash detectors are commonly used. G6 is a fully connected and intuitive solution that leverages the latest in Internet of Things (IoT) cellular connectivity. More product info: tinyurl.com/2v7hxu8a
SlateSafety: BEACON V2
BEACON V2
The SlateSafety BEACON V2 is the ultimate solution for real-time environmental monitoring and indoor location tracking. Seamlessly integrated into our advanced V2 system, the BEACON V2 empowers organizations with unrivaled precision and durability, while ensuring compliance with SlateSafety's stringent reliability standards. Compact and unobtrusive, the BEACON V2 is a discrete sensor that effortlessly mounts on horizontal and vertical surfaces, offering the utmost flexibility. Its cost-effective design allows for large-scale deployment, enabling comprehensive environmental data collection across even the harshest indoor and outdoor environments. More product info: slatesafety.com
Lifting Safety
Andax Industries: Pad Mount Transformer Containment Bag
The Pad Mount Transformer Containment Bag™ (TCB-095) is a containment solution for leaking and non-leaking electric utility pad mount transformers. It is an extremely strong, puncture resistant containment solution for the prevention of leaks and spills during change-outs and transportation and can help prevent electric utility employee accidents and environmental damage caused by leaks and/or contamination. The TCB-095 includes a clear outdoor weather cap to allow for simple, safe outdoor weather-resistant storage while also providing DOT compliance while transporting transformers. More product info: tinyurl.com/yc2cca35
Lighting
Streamlight: Dualie 3AA Color-Rite Flashlight
The Dualie® 3AA Color Rite® is an intrinsically safe high-performance LED multi-function flashlight that provides the option of bright, white light to illuminate large areas or a high CRI light with Streamlight’s Color-Rite Technology® for true color recognition, which is ideal for differentiating color in low-light work environments and prevents glare and eye fatigue. The compact light, which is powered by AA batteries, is safety-rated for use in Division 1 environments faced by many professionals. More product info: tinyurl.com/vf3darbv
Lockout/Tagout and Machine Guarding
Shurtape Technologies: PXL BR Duck Pro by Shurtape BR Code Heavy Duty, Permanent Scannable Labels
BR Code™ scannable solutions is a groundbreaking collection of adhesive tape and label products designed to revolutionize the connection between digital information and physical locations. Available from Duck Pro® by Shurtape® brand, PXL BR heavy-duty, permanent scannable labels is the ultimate solution for securely connecting physical locations to digital information in applications that demand extreme durability. With preprinted PXL BR labels, you can effortlessly link text, photos, video links, maintenance documentation and more to any physical object. More product info: short.gy/2SBwRI
Noise & Vibration Monitoring
Magellan X Ptd. Ltd.: Sol-X Solution
SOL-X is an IIoT-enabled Connected worker platform that improves the occupational Health & safety of the worker. It is also compatible with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Long-Range Bluetooth. SOL-X Control Of Work is a component of the comprehensive software and hardware, to streamline workflows, data validation and authorized workers’ signoffs, and to improve compliance assurance. The wearable offers a robust approach to safety and risk management by providing near real-time data on workers’ workload and well-being insights. More product info: short.gy/nu4fFI
On-site Training
e-Hazard: Electrical Safety for Electric Vehicle (EV) Task Qualified Personnel
e-Hazard developed Electrical Safety for Electric Vehicle (EV) Task Qualified Personnel as a customized course for a leading EV car manufacturer. It focuses specifically on electrical hazards and protection strategies related to EV batteries. It combines a short instructor-led session with hands-on activities for students to demonstrate what they learned. Customizations for the client also included modifications to reflect specifics in company policies regarding PPE guidelines and procedures. More product info: e-hazard.com
PPE for Women
Seraphina Safety Apparel & Mfg, LLC: Seraphina Cool Down FR Tech Women's Long Sleeve
This super soft versatile shirt is built to be worn alone or as a cooling underlayer. Superior protection from extreme heat, fire, and molten metal, the non-igniting technical fabric is inherently flame-resistant and non-toxic with no harsh chemicals. Add in the fabric's weightless performance appeal with its 4-way stretch, sweat-wicking, quick-drying, and odor-resistant capabilities, this shirt is comfortable on even the longest days. More product info: seraphinasafety.com
Protective Apparel
Mechanix Wear: Pyrad Arc Flash Protection Kit
Our arc flash kit with garments made with Arc Rated Pyrad® Technology by GORE-TEX LABS. This superior fabric technology provides 40 cal/cm2 protection (NFPA 70E Cat 4) in one-layer, making it 50% lighter than competitive entry level solutions, and 20% lighter than competitive premium lightweight solutions. Protects defense personnel and industrial workers from heat, flame, and flash-fire. Kit comes with jacket, bib overall, hood, and accessories for head-to-toe arc flash protection. More product info: tinyurl.com/fz9hm26d
Transportation Safety
Andax Industries: Pad Mount Transformer Containment Bag
The Pad Mount Transformer Containment Bag™ (TCB-095) is a containment solution for leaking and non-leaking electric utility pad mount transformers. It is an extremely strong, puncture resistant containment solution for the prevention of leaks and spills during change outs and transportation and can help prevent electric utility employee accidents and environmental damage caused by leaks and/or contamination. The TCB-095 includes a clear outdoor weather cap to allow for simple, safe outdoor weather resistant storage while also providing DOT compliance while transporting transformers. More product info: tinyurl.com/yc2cca35
Vision Protection
Radians: THRAXUS ELITE
The latest and most advanced of the iconic THRAXUS® safety eyewear family, THRAXUS ELITE features a patented edge design for contemporary styling, wire core temples for a custom fit, and 3-position ratchet temples for adjustable lens angles. It also has adjustable nose pads for a secure fit and a soft brow frame for added comfort. The ultralight frame has a cyclonic venting system to help combat fogging. More product info: tinyurl.com/uvfd236d
Wearable Devices
Bodytrak: Bodytrak 01
Bodytrak is a data-driven solution that continuously monitors an individual’s response to physiological stress to mitigate workplace risks and provide an alarm system to prevent incidents caused by heat stress, fatigue and more. Bodytrak captures real-time physiological data from a wearable earpiece with multiple sensors. Once the data is measured via the in-ear sensors, machine-learning algorithms provide critical alerts and act as a warning system to the user (via audio prompts) and a supervisor (via the real-time Dashboard) so that intervention can be enabled, and incidents prevented. More product info: tinyurl.com/343hfnny
Winter Hazards
Protective Industrial Products: Bisley Extreme Cold Weather Coverall
The Bisley® Extreme Cold Coverall by PIP® was engineered with high-performance materials to provide advanced thermal protection against extreme cold climate hazards. Paired with a DuPont™ Sorona® Aura multi-layered stainable sourced insulation, this coverall will provide workers with warmth to maintain productivity and comfort in temperatures as low as -51°F. The 334M6453X meets ANSI Type R, Class 3 requirements and features a waterproof polyester ripstop 300D outer shell with PU coating for protection from liquids and enhanced durability. More product info: tinyurl.com/3swhes7y
This article originally appeared in the November/December 2023 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.