Labour Ministry Issues Nationwide Heatwave Advisory

The Ministry of Labour & Employment has issued advisories to all States and Union Territories, calling for immediate preventive and mitigation measures to protect workers from rising temperatures and heatwave conditions. 

In its communication to Chief Secretaries and Administrators, the Ministry highlighted the need for a coordinated and multi-sectoral approach, particularly for workers in outdoor and labour-intensive sectors. 

Worker Safety Measures 

States and UTs have been advised to direct employers, industries, and construction companies to implement safety steps, including: 

• Rescheduling working hours
• Ensuring drinking water, rest areas, and cooling arrangements
• Providing emergency ice packs and heat illness prevention materials
• Coordinating with health departments for regular health check-ups 

Factory and mine managements have also been asked to allow flexibility in work, including slowing work pace during extreme heat, assigning two-person crews where necessary, and ensuring ventilation and cooling. 

Focus on Vulnerable Workers 

The Labour Ministry Press Release sought to focus upon construction workers, brick kiln workers, daily wage earners, and casual labourers. States and UTs have also been encouraged to conduct awareness campaigns at labour chowks and public places, including displaying safety information and emergency contacts. 

Training and Health Preparedness 

The Directorate General of Training and the National Board for Workers’ Education have been tasked for conducting organising programmes on heatwave mitigation, covering causes, safe practices, early symptom recognition, and emergency response. 

Hospitals under the Employees' State Insurance Corporation and the Directorate General of Labour Welfare have been directed to set up help desks for heatstroke cases and maintain adequate supplies of ORS and related materials. 

Monitoring and Compliance 

Enforcement bodies such as the Chief Labour Commissioner and Directorate General of Mines Safety have been asked to monitor compliance with safety provisions. Organisations including the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation and National Career Service have been advised to ensure cooling and drinking water during outreach activities. 

All organisations are required to submit fortnightly status reports for review and monitoring.