Release
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and its partners presented the 2026 Prevention through Design (PtD) Award to Square Robot, Inc. today at the sixth annual PtD Award Ceremony during the National Safety Council Safety Congress and Expo in Indianapolis.
The award – a collaborative effort of NIOSH, the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) and the National Safety Council (NSC) – encourages the use of PtD methods while recognizing successful, real-world PtD efforts to protect workers.
Assessing the workplace and "designing out" hazards is an innovative, and long-term solution to worker safety and health. According to the hierarchy of controls, eliminating a workplace hazard is the most effective way to protect workers.
Square Robot, Inc. was honored for its technology and philosophy that exemplifies the PtD approach, providing a long-term solution to worker safety and health. Its autonomous robots completely eliminate the need for human workers to enter confined spaces to inspect above-ground tanks that store industrial liquids. The tanks remain sealed and in service while the robot inspects them.
NIOSH, AIHA, ASSP, and NSC congratulate Square Robot, Inc., and thank all of this year's nominees for their efforts to protect workers and see them safely home to their loved ones. If you have an example of excellence in using or promoting PtD, we invite you to submit a nomination for next year's award. Nomination instructions will be available on the PtD award website, and are due March 1, 2027.
For more information on Prevention through Design, the award winner, nominee highlights and photos, please visit the NIOSH PtD website.
__________
NIOSH is the federal institute that conducts research and makes recommendations for preventing work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths. Find more information about NIOSH at www.cdc.gov/niosh.
AIHA, the American Industrial Hygiene Association, founded in 1939, is the association for scientists and professionals committed to preserving and ensuring occupational and environmental health and safety (OEHS) in the workplace and community.
The National Safety Council is America's leading nonprofit safety advocate – and has been for more than 100 years. As a mission-based organization, NSC works to eliminate the leading causes of preventable death and injury, focusing its efforts on the workplace, roadway and impairment. NSC creates a culture of safety to not only keep people safer at work, but also beyond the workplace so they can live their fullest lives.
The American Society of Safety Professionals is a global association for occupational safety and health professionals. ASSP advances its members and the safety profession through education, advocacy, standards and a professional community.
This page was last updated on this date. Updates may include minor edits, image changes, or other modifications to page content.
The information on this page was last reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy.