In response to the intensifying threat of extreme heatwaves, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has issued a comprehensive advisory to all States and Union Territories, calling for immediate action to protect workers and labourers across various sectors.
The Ministry stressed the urgency of mitigating the impact of extreme heat conditions, particularly on vulnerable groups like construction workers, factory employees, and those in brick kilns and mines.
Key Measures Advised:
- Rescheduling of Working Hours: Adjust shift timings to cooler parts of the day.
- Hydration Facilities: Ensure availability of adequate drinking water.
- Cooling & Ventilation: Improve workplace ventilation and provide shaded rest areas.
- Health Support: Conduct regular health check-ups and provide ORS, ice packs, and heat illness kits.
- Awareness Drives: Use posters, banners, and camps to educate workers on heat protection.
- Special Focus on Mines & Factories: Permit flexible schedules, allow slower work pace, ensure underground ventilation, and enforce buddy systems.
The Ministry has also directed its affiliated bodies, including DGLW, CLC, DTNBWED, VVGNLI, DGFASLI, DGMS, and ESIC, to launch awareness campaigns and include heatwave protection modules in worker training sessions.
Furthermore, hospitals and dispensaries under DGLW and ESIC are to establish dedicated help desks for heatstroke cases and maintain a steady supply of ORS and other necessary medical supplies.
This advisory reflects a proactive, multi-sectoral approach to safeguard the health and productivity of the nation’s workforce amid rising temperatures.