Heatwave Alert Across India: Centre Orders Urgent Steps to Protect Workers

The Ministry of Labour and Employment has issued a nationwide heatwave advisory directing all States and Union Territories to take immediate steps to protect workers from rising temperatures. The advisory focuses on safeguarding labourers, especially those in outdoor and high-risk sectors, and implementation is currently underway.

Nationwide Heatwave Advisory for Worker Safety

In an official communication sent to:

• Chief Secretaries / Administrators of all States and Union Territories

the Ministry called for a coordinated approach to ensure worker safety during extreme heat conditions.

Key Safety Measures for Workers

The advisory outlines several important steps:

• Rescheduling work hours to avoid peak heat
• Ensuring access to drinking water
• Creating rest areas for workers
• Providing heat-relief materials such as:
  • Ice packs
  • ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution)

Instructions to Employers

Employers have been directed to:

• Allow flexible work practices
• Reduce workload during peak heat hours
• Ensure proper ventilation and cooling at worksites

Focus on Vulnerable Workers

Special attention is being given to:

• Construction workers
• Brick kiln labourers
• Daily wage earners

Healthcare Support and ESIC Measures

Hospitals and dispensaries under:

• Employees’ State Insurance Corporation
• Director General of Labour Welfare

have been instructed to:

• Set up dedicated help desks for heat stroke cases
• Maintain adequate stock of:
  • ORS
  • Ice packs
  • Other heat illness prevention materials

Monitoring by Enforcement Agencies

The Ministry has directed agencies such as:

• Chief Labour Commissioner
• Directorate General of Mines Safety

to:

• Monitor compliance with legal safety provisions
• Ensure availability of:
  • Drinking water
  • Ventilation
  • Cooling facilities
  • Periodic health check-ups

Role of EPFO and NCS

Additional instructions were issued to:

• Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation
• National Career Service

to ensure:

• Proper cooling and ventilation
• Adequate drinking water supply during camps and outreach programmes

Reporting and Monitoring System

• All organisations must submit fortnightly status reports
• Reports will include actions taken and activities conducted
• These will be reviewed for continuous monitoring

Awareness and Training Initiatives

The Ministry also stated that:

• Awareness campaigns will be conducted nationwide
• Training programmes will be rolled out
• Healthcare support is being strengthened under ESIC facilities

The nationwide heatwave advisory by the Ministry of Labour and Employment directs States and employers to take urgent steps such as rescheduling work hours, providing water and cooling facilities, and strengthening healthcare support. With strict monitoring and reporting systems in place, the initiative aims to ensure worker safety and productivity during the summer, and implementation is ongoing.

Follow MunsifNews24x7 for latest updates.