Hyderabad: The Centre issued a Nationwide heatwave advisory directing States and Union Territories to take immediate steps to protect workers from rising temperatures.
The Ministry of Labour and Employment sent the advisory to Chief Secretaries and Administrators across the country. It called for a coordinated approach to safeguard labourers, especially those in outdoor and high-risk sectors.
Under the Nationwide heatwave advisory, States were asked to reschedule work hours and reduce exposure during peak heat. They were also directed to ensure access to drinking water and create rest areas. In addition, employers were told to provide emergency heat-relief materials such as ice packs and ORS.
Nationwide heatwave advisory mandates workplace safety measures
The Ministry directed employers to adopt flexible work practices and reduce workload during peak heat hours. It also asked them to ensure proper ventilation and cooling at worksites.
Special attention was placed on vulnerable groups, including construction workers, brick kiln labourers and daily wage earners. These groups were identified as facing higher risk during extreme heat conditions.
Hospitals and dispensaries under the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation and the Director General of Labour Welfare were instructed to set up dedicated help desks for heatstroke cases. They were also asked to maintain adequate stocks of ORS, ice packs and other preventive materials.
Nationwide heatwave advisory strengthens monitoring and healthcare
The Ministry said enforcement agencies would monitor compliance under the Nationwide heatwave advisory. The Chief Labour Commissioner and the Directorate General of Mines Safety were asked to ensure adherence to safety norms.
These include provisions related to drinking water, ventilation, cooling facilities and periodic health check-ups of workers. Authorities were also directed to track implementation at worksites.
Further, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation and the National Career Service were advised to ensure proper cooling, ventilation and drinking water supply during camps and outreach programmes.
All organisations were asked to submit fortnightly status reports on the measures taken. These reports would support further review and monitoring by the Ministry.
Healthcare support was strengthened through Employees’ State Insurance Corporation facilities, with dedicated help desks for heatstroke cases. At the same time, awareness campaigns and training programmes were planned across the country.
The Ministry stressed that proactive steps and strict monitoring were essential to protect worker safety and maintain productivity during the summer.