New Delhi, April 28: The central government has issued an advisory to all states, union territories, and related entities, urging immediate action to ensure the safety of employees and workers amid the ongoing heatwave and rising temperatures across the country.
The Ministry of Labour and Employment emphasized the need for a coordinated, multi-sectoral, and multi-dimensional approach to protect workers, particularly those engaged in outdoor and labour-intensive sectors.
In a letter addressed to the chief secretaries/administrators of all states and union territories, the ministry advised that employers, industries, and construction companies be directed to implement necessary worker safety measures without delay.
The ministry also called on state governments to issue guidance regarding the rescheduling of working hours for employees and workers across various sectors. Additionally, it urged the provision of adequate drinking water facilities and the establishment of cooling arrangements in rest areas and workplaces.
This includes the provision of emergency ice packs and heat illness prevention materials at workplaces requiring such facilities, as well as coordinating with health departments to ensure regular health check-ups for workers.
Factory and mine management have also been advised to offer greater flexibility to workers, including slowing down work pace during extreme heat, deploying two-member teams where continuous work is unavoidable, providing rest areas, and ensuring adequate ventilation and cooling arrangements.
The ministry recommended special attention to construction workers, brick kiln workers, daily wage labourers, and other vulnerable groups.
Furthermore, states and union territories have been encouraged to run awareness campaigns at worker chowks and public places, displaying posters and banners with safety messages against heatstroke and emergency contact details.