In advance of the MENA HSE Forum, taking place from 1-2 November in Dubai, Dr Ronald Otte, director of health and safety at Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) discusses EGA’s journey to Zero Harm and initiatives to achieve an enhanced safety culture
MENA HSE Review: How are you harnessing technology at EGA to support your journey towards Zero Harm?
Dr Ronald Otte: Technology plays a crucial role at EGA UAE aluminium smelters and the alumina refinery, by enhancing safety, productivity and efficiency.
Technology is harnessed to automate various hazardous processes such as high-temperature operations, molten metal handling, reducing human/machine interfaces and casting. This automation minimises human error and reduces the risk of accidents.
Similarly, in the EGA alumina refinery, technology streamlines the refining process. Automated systems and advanced sensors constantly monitor critical parameters such as temperature, pressure, and chemical composition, ensuring consistent quality of alumina production while minimising human intervention.
To further enhance safety measures, the company is piloting AI cameras that can detect and analyse potential safety hazards and unsafe practices in real-time. These AI cameras have the capability to identify unsafe practices, inadequate protective gear usage, and potential workplace hazards. This enables prompt intervention and preventive measures, reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall safety standards.
Additionally, the company is in the process of developing Safety GPT technology. Safety GPT utilises machine learning algorithms to analyse vast amounts of safety data, identify patterns, and provide insights to proactively address safety concerns and risks.
By leveraging technology, including automation, AI cameras and Safety GPT, the company aims to create a more productive and safer working environment within the EGA aluminium smelters and alumina refinery, and it will greatly support the Road to Zero Harm.
MENA HSE Review: What are some of the main initiatives you are pursuing to upgrade the safety culture within the organisation?
Dr Ronald Otte: At EGA, we have a bold aspiration to eliminate the risk of harm in our operations and processes, while fostering mental wellbeing. This is a very challenging target, which has never been achieved by any company before. We are focused on the LHTO model which provides a comprehensive approach:
Authentic Leadership(L): Senior leaders coached, mentored and trained to demonstrate transparency, trustworthiness, and ethical behaviour. Leaders should foster open communication, actively engage with employees and create an open environment.
Human Factors(H): Implementing programmes to enhance human performance and reduce error. This includes training on situational awareness, fatigue management and to recognise and be aware of mindsets such as rushing, frustration and complacency.
Organizational Systems(O): Developing robust safety management systems that encourage reporting of incidents and near-misses, analyse data to identify trends, and establish corrective actions.
Technology(T): Utilising technological advancements to improve safety measures, such as implementing automation, smart sensors, and monitoring systems. Also, leverage data analytics and future predictive modelling to anticipate potential risk
The development of the prevention of Serious Injuries and Fatality (SIF) strategy
The strategy will include upgrading the skills of senior leadership in EGA to make critical safety decisions. This involves providing employees with the necessary tools, training, and support to make effective decisions in high-risk situations and ensuring adherence to safety protocols
Dr Otte will be speaking on EGA best practice on effective HSE leadership at the MENA HSE Forum. To bag one of the last few remaining tickets, go to the website at www.hse-forum.com/mena/register
