Provided by Nathan Heppler, Safety Manager

At T.W. Frierson, safety and performance go hand in hand and that means protecting our teams from more than just the visible hazards of the jobsite. This July, we’re taking a proactive step toward better hydration and heat safety by beta testing an innovative microfluidic patch by Epicore Biosystems.

WHY IT MATTERS

Working in the heat presents serious challenges, including dehydration, fatigue, cramps, and increased risk of injuries of all types. To combat these risks, we’re partnering with Epicore Biosystems to explore how wearable tech can help our employee-owners stay ahead of hydration-related issues.

ABOUT THE TECHNOLOGY

The microfluidic patch is a lightweight, easy-to-use, single-use wearable that sticks to the inner forearm and visually tracks both sweat fluid loss and sweat sodium levels in real time, no phone or app required. It offers personalized rehydration recommendations at a glance, helping each user understand exactly how much fluid and electrolyte replenishment they need to stay safe and perform at their best.

HOW WE’RE TESTING

Thirty TWF employee-owners will wear the patch over three days, each in four-hour intervals, generating a total of 90 real-world data points. The patch provides instant visual cues, like the number of water bottles needed and sodium loss level, so our team members can adjust their hydration strategy on the spot.

LOOKING AHEAD

Once testing is complete, we’ll evaluate how Epicore Biosystem solutions can support our broader safety program, especially during peak summer months when heat-related illness is a top concern. We’re excited to explore how this innovation can help set a new standard for field wellness across our jobsites.