Intense heatwave: Advisory issued to reschedule working hours in industries and companies

In view of the escalating extreme heatwave conditions across India, the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment has issued an advisory to all States and Union Territories, urging urgent measures to safeguard workers and labourers from the adverse effects of soaring temperatures.

Advisory to States and UTs

In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretaries and Administrators of all States and UTs, Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, emphasised the need for immediate action. The ministry has recommended that occupiers, employers, industries, and construction companies reschedule working hours to avoid peak heat periods.

Union Labour and Employment Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, speaking to reporters in New Delhi, highlighted the importance of protecting vulnerable workers. He stated that States and UTs have been advised to implement measures ensuring adequate drinking water facilities, ventilation and cooling at workplaces, and regular health check-ups for workers.

Key Measures Recommended

The Ministry’s advisory outlines a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach, recommending the following steps:

• Rescheduling of Working Hours: Adjust work timings to cooler parts of the day to avoid peak heat exposure.

• Water and Cooling Facilities: Ensure the availability of adequate drinking water, rest areas, and proper ventilation at worksites.

• Emergency Preparedness: Provision of emergency ice packs, oral rehydration solutions (ORS), and materials to prevent heat illness.

• Flexible Work Schedules: Allow slower work pace and flexible timings, especially for workers in high-risk sectors like construction and mining.

• Two-Person Crews: Adopt a buddy system to monitor health during extreme conditions.

Special attention has been advised for workers in factories, mines, construction sites, and brick kilns, sectors particularly vulnerable to heat stress.

Awareness and Training Initiatives

The Ministry has instructed its associated organizations — including DGLW, CLC, DTNBWED, VVGNLI, DGFASLI, DGMS, and ESIC — to conduct awareness sessions. These programs aim to educate workers on:

Causes and impact of heatwaves

• Recognizing symptoms of heat stress

• Preventive strategies

• Immediate mitigation techniques.

Information campaigns through awareness camps, posters, and banners at labour congregation points like labour chowks have also been emphasized.

Medical Preparedness
Hospitals and dispensaries under the Directorate General of Labour Welfare (DGLW) and Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) have been instructed to:

• Set up dedicated desks for heat stroke cases

• Ensure adequate supplies of ORS, ice packs, and other necessary materials to manage heat-related illnesses.

Minister Mandaviya confirmed that health services have been put on high alert to promptly address any cases of heat stroke among workers.