Boothwyn, PA - April 15, 2026
Kestrel Instruments, in partnership with the Korey Stringer Institute at the University of Connecticut, successfully hosted the Occupational Heat Safety Industry Summit on April 10, 2026, bringing together leading experts, safety professionals, researchers, and solution providers to address the future of worker heat safety.
Held on the UConn campus, the summit served as a collaborative forum for thought leaders across industries to share insights, identify challenges, and define actionable strategies to improve heat safety in occupational environments.
As record-breaking heat events and evolving regulations continue to increase pressure on employers, the need for effective, science-based heat safety practices has never been more urgent. The summit focused on bridging the gap between research, policy, and real-world implementation.
“This is about bringing the right people to the table,” said Michael Naughton, COO of Kestrel Instruments. “We’re creating space for open discussion around what’s working, what’s missing, and what needs to happen next to better protect workers. The organizations represented here are committed to advancing a safer future when it comes to heat safety.”
The summit featured perspectives from a diverse group of organizations shaping the future of heat safety, including:
- Safety and operations leaders from companies such as UPS and Delta Air Lines
- Standards-setting and industry organizations such as the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists and the International Safety Equipment Association, which play key roles in advancing safety standards and advocacy
- Manufacturer of environmental & WBGT monitoring solutions Kestrel Instruments
- Safety equipment, PPE, and cooling technology leaders, including Ergodyne, MAGID, MISSION, and ColdVentures
- Innovators in physiological monitoring, including Epicore Biosystems, GreenTEG, and Vigilife
- Industrial hygiene and consulting expertise represented by Elsmart Associates, LLC
Throughout the day, participants engaged in focused discussions on key issues such as barriers to adoption of heat safety practices, decision-making drivers for employers, and priorities for advancing research, education, and solutions. The summit emphasized collaboration and surfaced opportunities for cross-industry alignment, including the role of policy, technology, and risk management in improving worker safety.
The Korey Stringer Institute (KSI), a nationally recognized leader in heat safety research and advocacy, brought critical scientific expertise and a strong track record of translating research into real-world impact.
“KSI has been at the forefront of heat safety education and prevention for years,” said Douglas Casa, CEO of the Korey Stringer Institute and Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor of Kinesiology at the University of Connecticut. “Through our research, education, and advocacy, we’re working to drive meaningful change and bring proven heat safety practices into occupational settings where they’re urgently needed. We’re also proud to have Kestrel Instruments as a cherished partner for the past 15 years, working alongside us to advance heat safety through innovation, data, and a shared commitment to protecting lives.”
The summit represents a continued commitment by Kestrel Instruments, the Korey Stringer Institute, and participating organizations to lead the conversation on heat safety and drive meaningful progress across industries.
About Kestrel Instruments
Kestrel Instruments designs, builds, and tests its products in the United States, delivering rugged, high-performance environmental monitoring tools trusted by professionals around the world. From occupational safety to athletics and military operations, Kestrel instruments provide accurate, reliable data in the most demanding conditions. Kestrel Heat Stress Trackers are widely used to assess environmental conditions and support critical heat safety decisions.
About the Korey Stringer Institute
The Korey Stringer Institute (KSI), established in 2010 at the University of Connecticut (UConn) in memory of NFL player Korey Stringer, provides research, education, advocacy, and consultation to maximize performance, optimize safety, and prevent sudden death for the athlete, warfighter, and laborer. The institute is housed within UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) in the Department of Kinesiology and includes a satellite laboratory, KSI at the University of North Florida (KSI at UNF), to extend its research and outreach impact.
Media Contact:
Monica Devlin
Marketing Director, Kestrel Instruments
800-784-4221
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