Blackline updates software with eye on worker safety

Executive Summary

• Blackline Safety Corp. is unveiling significant software enhancements to its cloud-based platform, Blackline Live, at the 2025 National Safety Council (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo.
• Key software updates include new bulk management tools, an updated Loner mobile app, and the introduction of "ZoneAware," a new geofencing capability designed to improve compliance and resource tracking.
• The company highlighted strong traction for its EXO 8 area monitor, noting a 175% growth in fire-hazmat customers and the addition of gamma radiation protection capabilities.

Key Details

• Software Enhancements (Blackline Live):
  • Bulk Management: New tools allow users to add and manage hundreds of alerts, zones, and team members simultaneously to automate manual tasks.
  • Alert Notification Manager: Introduces browser pop-up notifications for active safety events to ensure faster visibility.
  • SMS Number Assignment: Improves SMS alert reliability with local delivery across regions.
  • Compliance Tools: Enhanced bump test and calibration certificates with new data fields, improved layout, and multilingual support.
  • Auto Bump Test/Calibration: An upgrade kit for EXO 8 monitors enables automatic bump testing and calibration, maintaining compliance without manual effort.
  • Sensor Readings Page: Provides live sensor readings across devices to flag abnormal levels and respond to incidents faster.
  • AlertLink: Enables sharing of alerts between nearby devices to speed up team responses.
  • Analytics & Reporting: Updated reporting offers a more comprehensive view of alerts and emergency response trends.
  • Loner Mobile App: Updated to extend protection to lower-risk lone workers using smartphones, removing the need for rugged gas detection devices.
• ZoneAware Geofencing:
  • New capability allowing safety teams to monitor and manage contractors, employees, or devices within preset areas.
  • Features include tracking time spent in specific zones (including high-risk areas) and monitoring speed to muster points to strengthen compliance and emergency preparedness.
• EXO 8 Market Traction:
  • Introduced at the previous year's NSC, the EXO 8 platform has expanded to include gamma radiation protection.
  • Fire-hazmat customer base grew 175% from April 2024 to April 2025.
  • Thousands of users are now utilizing EXO 8 across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand.
  • Product has won seven major industry awards, including the Red Dot Design Award, Preventica Paris Innovation Award, and two OH&S New Product of the Year awards.
• Upcoming Events:
  • A+A: Düsseldorf, Nov. 4 to Nov. 7, 2025.
  • ADIPEC: Abu Dhabi, Nov. 3 to Nov. 6, 2025.

Notable Quotes

• "From software innovation to hardware breakthroughs, we're delivering on our promise to get every worker home safe," said Cody Slater, chief executive officer and chair of Blackline Safety. "NSC marks the start of an exciting season of announcements for Blackline."
• "With EXO 8's gamma detection, it's even more valuable for hazmat teams, offering broader protection and the ability to use it in public safety scenarios," said Chris Johnson, deputy chief, Westchester County Department of Emergency Services.