The National Safety Council (NSC) welcomed more than 11,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors to the 2026 NSC Safety Congress & Expo, held from 11 to 17 September at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.
The event marked the 114th edition of the annual safety gathering, bringing together occupational safety professionals, manufacturers and industry representatives from across the world.
Global safety professionals gather in Indianapolis
The programme featured keynote presentations, educational sessions, industry awards and networking opportunities.
Participants explored developments in workplace safety, emerging technologies and practices intended to improve occupational health and safety performance.
The event also provided opportunities for professionals to exchange knowledge and examine challenges affecting the sector.
Exhibition showcases safety innovations
Exhibiting organisations presented products and services across 557,600 square feet of exhibition space.
The exhibition highlighted safety technologies and equipment designed to address workplace hazards and support improved protection across different industries.
Guardian wins new product award
The 12th annual Best in Show New Product Showcase Awards recognised more than 84 safety products from 52 companies.
Guardian secured first place with its Hero Self Retracting Lifeline, a fully automatic fall protection system designed to improve mobility and efficiency for workers operating at height.
Honeywell received second place for its ModRAE modular wireless gas detection monitor.
The device provides real time hazard monitoring and configurable sensor options for industrial safety applications.
3M recognised for fall protection equipment
Third place was awarded to 3M for its DBI SALA Nano Lok Edge Anchor Mounted Self Retracting Lifeline.
The compact system is designed for foot level tie off applications, supporting fall protection in challenging elevated working environments.
The awards formed part of the wider congress programme, recognising developments in safety equipment and technologies.
The 2026 event brought together manufacturers and safety professionals to showcase products, share expertise and discuss approaches to improving workplace safety.
Lorraine Martin, NSC CEO, said: “The NSC Safety Congress & Expo is where employers, safety professionals and other business leaders come together to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and discover solutions that can address risk and prevent harm in our workplaces, on our roads and in our communities.
“Each year, NSC convenes the safety community to share knowledge, build relationships, spotlight innovation and turn insights into action to prevent injuries and save lives, from the workplace to anyplace.”
