Emirates Global Aluminium Achieves Zero Heat-Related Illnesses for Second Consecutive Summer
EGA’s Efforts to Combat Heat-Related Illness
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has announced that it achieved zero heat-related illnesses for the second summer in a row. EGA, the largest industrial company in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) outside oil and gas, has developed a comprehensive system over the past decade to combat heat-related illnesses, which can be fatal if left untreated.
Wearable Technology to Detect Early Signs of Heat Stress
EGA has also trialled wearable technology developed by an American company, Kenzen, to detect the early signs of heat stress even before they can be felt. The technology continuously monitors core body temperature, heart rate, activity levels, and other vital indicators in real-time, alerting both wearers and EGA’s safety team.
‘Beat the Heat’ Campaign
The company’s annual ‘Beat the Heat’ programme is a summer-long effort across all EGA’s operations to combat heat-related illnesses. Employees are trained to recognise early signs of heat stress in themselves and their colleagues and are empowered and equipped to take action. The campaign includes hydration tests before and during shifts, regular breaks, cooling showers, and the provision of cooling booths, drinking stations, icemakers, and portable air conditioning units in EGA production areas to help employees and contractors stay cool and comfortable during their shifts.
CEO’s Statement
Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, CEO of Emirates Global Aluminium, said that heat-related illness threatens the health of anyone working outside during summers. He added that EGA’s success in combating it is relevant for all companies with outdoor workers in the UAE and increasingly in other global regions. He also stated that heat-related illness is entirely preventable.
Summary
Emirates Global Aluminium has achieved zero heat-related illnesses for the second consecutive summer. The company has developed a comprehensive system over the past decade to combat heat-related illnesses and has trialled wearable technology to detect early signs of heat stress. The ‘Beat the Heat’ campaign includes hydration tests before and during shifts, regular breaks, cooling showers, and the provision of cooling booths, drinking stations, icemakers, and portable air conditioning units in EGA production areas. CEO Abdulnasser Bin Kalban stated that heat-related illness is entirely preventable and relevant for all companies with outdoor workers in the UAE and increasingly in other global regions.
