Blackline Safety is set to showcase its latest innovation, the G8 connected safety wearable, at the 2026 National Safety Council (NSC) Safety Congress and Expo in Indianapolis. This event follows the successful early adoption of the device since its launch in March. G8 integrates connected gas detection, lone worker protection, two-way push-to-talk, and live field data, aiming to offer comprehensive safety insights via the Blackline Live platform.
According to Cody Slater, CEO of Blackline Safety, "When a worker is in trouble, every second counts. Knowing there’s a problem is only the first step. G8 ensures you know exactly what's happening, where that worker is, and how to reach them immediately. In an emergency, that ability to act in real time can make the difference between rescue and recovery." The G8 device, through its advanced features, aims to enhance safety operations by allowing seamless communication and better incident response.
Advanced features
The G8 wearable offers several standout capabilities. Its built-in Push-to-Talk (PTT) feature enables immediate voice communication among workers and their safety teams, thereby ensuring swift coordination in high-risk environments. The integration of ZoneAware™ geofencing within the Blackline Live platform, allows organisations to monitor worker locations and activities, bolstering emergency response and compliance. In addition, the G8 now includes a CSA-certified hydrogen (H2) sensor for enhanced gas detection capabilities specifically designed for North American markets.
Vida Bioenergy, a European bioenergy production company, is among the early adopters of G8
Vida Bioenergy, a European bioenergy production company, is among the early adopters of G8. The company required a comprehensive solution for its new plant, demanding gas detection, lone worker protection, and efficient communication. Dr. Gary Cartwright, Plant Manager at Vida Bioenergy, remarked on the robust features of G8, stating, “G8 makes work as safe as it could possibly be. I had free choice to go anywhere I liked, but the G8 was just so good, so robust, and, in my view, it was the best on the market.”
Industry recognition
G8 and the Blackline Live platform have been acknowledged in the industry with accolades such as two OH&S Industrial Hygiene Awards in the "IoT — Connected Devices" and "Software" categories, along with a Safety and Health Excellence Award.
Expo attendees will have the opportunity to explore and interact with G8 and Blackline's extensive connected safety platform at booth #2213 from September 14–16. Additionally, Blackline’s Director of Product Management, Mike Brown, will conduct a live demonstration of G8 at the New Product Showcase on Monday, September 14 at 12:30 p.m. ET.
Safety huddle session
Yves Carrier of Blackline Safety will present a session titled ‘Where Safety Breaks Down: What New Research Tells Us’ on the same day at 10:00 a.m. ET. This session, part of Blackline’s new Keeping People Safe research, will delve into the dissonance between safety protocols and real-world practices, offering practical insights for enhancing organisational safety outcomes.
Blackline Safety, a global pioneer in connected safety technology, will feature its new G8 connected safety wearable at the 2026 National Safety Council (NSC) Safety Congress and Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana, following strong early customer adoption.
Since G8 began shipping in March 2026, both new and long-standing Blackline customers have moved to the next generation of connected safety technology. G8 combines connected gas detection, lone worker protection, two-way push-to-talk and live field data in a single compact wearable that gives safety and operations leaders a clearer view of what's happening across their worksites through the Blackline Live platform.
Single portable device
“When a worker is in trouble, every second counts,” said Cody Slater, CEO, Blackline Safety. “Knowing there’s a problem is only the first step. G8 ensures you know exactly what’s happening, where that worker is, and how to reach them immediately. In an emergency, that ability to act in real time can make the difference between rescue and recovery.”
Three G8 capabilities generating particular interest include:
- Built-in Push-to-Talk (PTT): allowing workers to talk directly with each other and their safety and monitoring teams through a single portable device. For organisations operating in high-risk environments, immediate voice communication can help teams coordinate work and respond quickly if something goes wrong.
- Zone Intelligence: Blackline has expanded the Blackline Live platform behind G8 with ZoneAware™ geofencing this summer. This allows organisations to define specific worksite zones to see worker locations, movement and activity, and use that information to support emergency response, evacuation, and compliance.
- New CSA-certified hydrogen (H2) sensor: This newly available low-range H2 sensor expands gas detection options for North American customers working around hydrogen, offering them an expanded detection portfolio for their G8 devices.
Bioenergy production company
Among the organisations adopting G8 is Vida Bioenergy, a European bioenergy production company, which needed a fully connected solution for its new plant that included gas detection, lone worker protection, and communication for its staff and contractors.
“G8 makes work as safe as it could possibly be,” said Dr. Gary Cartwright, Plant Manager, Vida Bioenergy. “I had free choice to go anywhere I liked, but the G8 was just so good, so robust and, in my view, it was the best on the market.” G8 and Blackline Live have also earned recognition across the industry, including two OH&S Industrial Hygiene Awards, in the “IoT — Connected Devices” and “Software” categories, and a Safety and Health Excellence Award.
Connected safety platform
Attendees can see and interact with G8 and Blackline's broader connected safety platform at booth #2213 on the expo floor from Sept. 14–16 in Indianapolis. Blackline’s Director of Product Management, Mike Brown, will also be giving a live demo of G8 at the New Product Showcase (booth #1977) on Monday, Sept. 14 at 12:30 p.m. ET.
Blackline Safety’s Yves Carrier will present a Safety Huddle session, ‘Where Safety Breaks Down: What New Research Tells Us,’ on Monday, Sept. 14 at 10:00 a.m. ET. Drawing on Blackline’s new Keeping People Safe research, the session will explore where gaps can emerge between safety protocols and what happens in the field, and practical ways organisations can improve safety outcomes.
