Abu Dhabi: Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has announced the introduction of innovative wearable safety technology as part of its annual 'Beat the Heat' programme aimed at preventing heat-related illness among industrial workers during the hot UAE summer.
According to Emirates News Agency, heat-related illnesses pose a significant risk to those working outdoors in the UAE during the summer months and can be fatal if not addressed promptly. EGA's industrial operations, which generate additional heat and require continuous operation, necessitate outdoor work around the clock throughout the summer. EGA has established itself as a global leader in combating heat-related illnesses, with no reported cases since 2021.
Since 2022, EGA has been testing wearable technology designed to monitor critical health indicators during the summer. This new technology is tailored for challenging industrial environments, such as smelters, and offers improved location services, connectivity, and real-time data feeds that are accessible to EGA supervisors and medical teams. The devices automatically regulate work and rest cycles when core body temperatures exceed a certain threshold.
The 'Beat the Heat' programme is a comprehensive, summer-long initiative by EGA to address occupational heat stress and prevent heat-related illnesses entirely. Running for over a decade, the initiative focuses on raising awareness among EGA employees about the early signs of heat stress and empowering them to take preventive action.
This year, EGA has also introduced full-body cooling units at medical centres and selected operational areas in Jebel Ali and Al Taweelah. These cooling suits provide rapid, non-invasive core body cooling to aid emergency response efforts. Abdulnasser bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of EGA, emphasized the importance of the programme, stating, "Heat-related illness is a serious challenge in our region. At EGA, our goal each summer is to engage everyone in ensuring we have zero cases of heat-related illness at our company, and together we have a long track record of success. Technology has the potential to make our Beat the Heat programme even more effective."
EGA's 'Beat the Heat' campaign includes hydration testing before and during shifts, scheduled cooling breaks, access to cooling showers, and dedicated rest zones across its operations. Employees and contractors have access to cooling booths, drinking water stations, icemakers, and portable air conditioning units to help them stay cool and hydrated throughout the day.