New Delhi | Amid rising temperatures and intensifying heatwave conditions across the country, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has issued a nationwide advisory urging states and Union Territories to take immediate steps to safeguard workers and labourers from heat-related illnesses.
In a communication sent to Chief Secretaries and Administrators, the Ministry emphasized the need for a coordinated and multi-sectoral approach to protect workers, especially those engaged in outdoor and labour-intensive occupations such as construction, mining, brick kilns, and daily wage work.
Focus on Prevention and Worker Safety
The advisory calls on state governments to direct employers, contractors, industries, and construction firms to implement urgent safety measures. Key recommendations include rescheduling working hours to avoid peak heat periods, ensuring access to adequate drinking water, and creating shaded or cooled rest areas at worksites.
Employers have also been asked to provide emergency supplies such as ice packs and materials to prevent heat-related illnesses, particularly at high-risk locations like construction sites.
Health Monitoring and Coordination
The Ministry has stressed close coordination with health departments to enable regular health check-ups for workers. Early detection of heat stress symptoms and timely medical intervention are being prioritized as critical steps to prevent serious health complications.
Factories and mines have been advised to adopt flexible work practices, including slowing down work during extreme heat, deploying workers in pairs for continuous tasks, and ensuring proper ventilation and cooling arrangements.
Special Attention to Vulnerable Workers
The advisory highlights the vulnerability of construction workers, brick kiln labourers, daily wage earners, and temporary workers. States have been encouraged to run awareness campaigns at public places, labour gathering points, and busy intersections, using posters and banners with heat safety tips and emergency contact information.
Training and Awareness Initiatives
The Directorate of Training National Board for Workers Education has been tasked with conducting awareness and training programmes on heatwave prevention. These will cover causes and effects of heatstroke, safe work practices such as hydration and rest breaks, early identification of heat stress symptoms, and emergency response measures.
Medical Preparedness Strengthened
Hospitals and dispensaries under the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation and the Directorate General of Labour Welfare have been instructed to set up dedicated help desks for heatwave cases. They are also required to maintain adequate stocks of ORS, ice packs, and other essential supplies.
Enforcement and Monitoring
Enforcement agencies such as the Chief Labour Commissioner Office and the Directorate General of Mines Safety have been asked to ensure compliance with legal provisions related to safe working conditions, drinking water, ventilation, and periodic health check-ups.
Additionally, bodies like the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation and the National Career Service will incorporate heat safety measures in their camps and outreach activities.
Regular Reporting and Review
All concerned organizations have been directed to submit fortnightly reports on the actions taken, enabling continuous monitoring and review at the national level.
Reiterating the urgency of the situation, the Ministry underscored that timely preventive action and strict monitoring are essential to protect workers’ health, ensure safety, and maintain productivity during the peak summer months.
