Japan’s JGC Corporation has credited a heat stress management programme for resulting in a 50 per cent reduction in illnesses and injuries in employees, caused by exposure to excessive heat in the Middle East
Heat stress is a major challenge for workers who are engaged in outdoor activities in the Middle East. Sectors such as construction and oil and gas require employees to spend long hours in temperatures exceeding 50 deg C, leading to a spurt in ailments such as stroke, cramps, rashes and exhaustion.
JGC Corporation had presented a risk management programme, specifically applicable to the Middle East. The Japanese company emphasised on the use of fluid replacement, refresher training, use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and controlling high-risk activities such as confined space entry. The programme also included acclimatisation for onsite workers, food and beverage supplements, heat stress monitors as well as weekly management reviews.
TechNiche Middle East supplied the PPE that included HyperKewl Evaporative Cooling crown and neck shades; HyperKewl Evaporative Wrist Bands; HyperKewl Evaporative Sports Jackets as well as TechKewl Phase Change Cooling Vests.
TechNiche Middle East general manager Paul Gilligan said, “The core of our company is about worker welfare and safety on job sites. TechNiche’s cooling apparel and innovative cooling technology enhances thermal comfort as it regulates the outside temperature which in turn improves performance and productivity for the workers onsite. We hope that more companies in Qatar and in the GCC will follow in JGC’s footsteps and actively address heat stress and worker welfare in their day-to-day operations.”
