New Delhi: Amid rising temperatures and intensifying heatwave conditions, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has issued a nationwide advisory urging States, Union Territories and affiliated bodies to take immediate steps to safeguard workers, especially those engaged in outdoor and labour-intensive sectors.
In a communication sent to Chief Secretaries and Administrators, the Ministry stressed the need for a coordinated and multi-sectoral approach to minimise heat-related risks and ensure worker safety during the peak summer months.
States and UTs have been directed to instruct employers, industries and construction agencies to implement key protective measures without delay. These include rescheduling working hours to avoid peak heat periods, ensuring access to adequate drinking water, and providing shaded rest areas along with cooling arrangements at worksites. Employers have also been advised to keep emergency supplies such as ice packs and heat illness prevention materials readily available.
The advisory highlights the importance of regular health monitoring, calling for coordination with health departments to facilitate periodic check-ups for workers. Factory and mine operators have been asked to adopt flexible practices during extreme heat, such as reducing work intensity, deploying two-person teams where continuous labour is unavoidable, and ensuring proper ventilation and cooling facilities.
Special focus has been placed on vulnerable groups including construction workers, brick kiln labourers, daily wage earners and casual workers. Authorities have been encouraged to run awareness campaigns at labour chowks and public spaces, displaying information on heatwave precautions and emergency contacts.
Training and awareness initiatives will be spearheaded by organisations such as the Directorate General of Training and the National Board for Workers Education and Development. These programmes will cover key aspects such as causes and impact of heatwaves, safe work practices like hydration and rest breaks, early identification of heat stress symptoms, and emergency response measures.
Healthcare preparedness has also been prioritised, with hospitals and dispensaries under the Employees State Insurance Corporation and the Directorate General of Labour Welfare directed to set up dedicated help desks for heatstroke cases. Adequate stocks of ORS, ice packs and other essential supplies are to be maintained.
Enforcement agencies including the Chief Labour Commissioner and the Directorate General of Mines Safety have been tasked with ensuring compliance with safety norms related to working conditions, drinking water, ventilation and health check-ups.
Additionally, organisations such as the Employees Provident Fund Organisation and the National Career Service have been advised to ensure proper cooling, ventilation and water supply during camps and outreach activities.
The Ministry has asked all concerned bodies to submit fortnightly reports detailing actions taken, enabling close monitoring of the situation. It reiterated that timely intervention and strict implementation of safety measures are critical to protecting workers’ health, safety and productivity during extreme summer conditions.
