Odisha reschedules working hours of labourers ahead of hot summer days

As a preventive measure in view of the possible heatwave situation in the state during the ensuing summer season, 2025, the Odisha government has decided to reschedule the working hours of labourers/workmen to ease their difficulties in the hot summer days ahead.

In a letter to all the Revenue Divisional Commissioners & Collectors, the Principal Secretary of Labour & ESI Department, Government of Odisha, has directed to reschedule the work hours.

The letter from Principal Secretary reads, “The temperature in the coming summer season in most of the districts of the state may go above 40 degree Celsius and there is a possibility of sunstroke cases, particularly among labourers; the labourers/workmen, due to their exposure to the sun during work.”

“So, it is necessary to reschedule their working hours and ensure that physically hard work is avoided between 11.00 A.M. to 3.00 P.M. from April 2025 to 15th June 2025,” the letter read.

The following steps are to be taken to deal with the situation:

1.    All the executive agencies of different Departments of the State Government and those of the Government of India and private employers may be advised to reschedule working hours so that no work is executed during the peak hours from 11.00 AM to 3.00 PM from April 2025 to 15th June 2025.

2.    Rescheduling of work in progress may be made as far as practicable so that the works are done during morning and late afternoon hours without hampering the quantum of production or work done and without reduction of wages. Such arrangements may be made keeping in view of the local requirements and weather conditions.

3.    Where the nature of work is such that, the rescheduling of working hours is not possible or where the work is of emergent nature or connected with maintenance of essential services, the concerned Employers, Contractors, and Executants should be asked to ensure all appropriate precautionary measures such as provision of drinking water, O.R.S. packets and rest sheds for workers at work site.

4.    The C.D.M.Os, S.D.M.Os, Medical Officers of the PHCs / CHCs, and dispensaries should be sensitized and kept alert during the heat wave conditions. The ESI dispensaries, which are meant to cater to the health needs of workers/ labourers have a special role to play in this. They should be in readiness to treat the patients suffering from sunstroke and other similar problems. 

5.    Awareness programs will be conducted in all industrial units and construction projects etc. to sensitize the labourers/workers about the risks, signs, and symptoms of heat stress.