Overview

• The Union Labour Ministry has sent a formal advisory to all states and Union Territories, urging immediate action to safeguard workers from record-breaking heatwave conditions.
• Recommendations include rescheduling work hours, ensuring access to drinking water, providing rest areas, and enhancing workplace ventilation and cooling systems.
• High-risk sectors like mining and construction are advised to adopt flexible schedules, slower work paces, two-person crews, and improved underground ventilation.
• Awareness sessions and training modules on heat stress prevention are being rolled out, with information dissemination through posters, banners, and camps at labour hubs.
• Hospitals under ESIC and DGLW are setting up dedicated heat illness desks with supplies like ORS and ice packs to handle heat-related emergencies.