Join us as we explore how the landmark trial between MX3 Diagnostics and Komatsu used real-time salivary testing to slash worker dehydration by 50% and redefine heat stress management in industrial environments.
MX3 Diagnostics and Komatsu completed a multi-site trial assessing real-time hydration and heat stress monitoring across operations in Rockhampton, Rutherford, and Moss Vale. Over 6 months, workers undertook twice-daily salivary hydration tests, with results automatically uploaded to the MX3 Heat Stress Risk Management Toolkit.

The toolkit enabled supervisors to monitor both site-based and job role–specific heat stress risks, identifying high-risk sites and individuals based on environmental conditions and task demands. The trial demonstrated strong feasibility and engagement, with measurable improvements in worker hydration: the proportion of workers arriving onsite dehydrated decreased from 40% at the start to less than 20% at the end. Dehydration was also associated with self-reported tiredness, underlining the impact of hydration on worker well-being and performance.

Overall, the findings indicate that integrating real-time hydration testing with the MX3 digital toolkit can enhance heat stress management, target interventions to high-risk sites and roles, reduce fatigue, and contribute to safer, more productive working conditions in high-heat environments.