JAMMU: Amid rising temperatures and the Indian Meteorological Department’s forecast of an impending heatwave, the Jammu and Kashmir Labour Department has issued a critical advisory urging all establishments to suspend or modify outdoor work between 12 noon and 3 PM to protect workers from extreme heat exposure.
Acting on advisories from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Labour Commissioner S. Charandeep Singh has directed all Inspectors of Factories and Assistant Labour Commissioners (ALCs) to enforce preventive measures in workplaces under their jurisdiction, including construction sites, brick kilns, factories, shops, and commercial establishments.
Highlighting the occupational hazard posed by prolonged exposure to high temperatures, especially for workers in heat-intensive and open-air environments, the Labour Department has mandated that work schedules be adjusted to avoid the hottest hours of the day. Employers have been specifically asked to ensure that no strenuous activity is undertaken by workers from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, where feasible.
In addition to work-hour adjustments, all employers are required to provide safe and cool drinking water on site, shaded rest areas at outdoor locations, and proper ventilation in enclosed spaces such as kilns and construction sheds. Personal protective gear—such as hats, caps, and sunglasses—must also be made available for those exposed to direct sunlight.
The advisory also calls for awareness drives to educate workers on recognising early symptoms of heat stress and dehydration. Regular health check-ups, to be organised in coordination with local health authorities, are encouraged to ensure early detection of heat-related ailments. Employers must also ensure the availability of first-aid kits, medical emergency contacts, and transportation options in case of heatstroke or other health issues.
Assistant Labour Commissioners have been tasked with ensuring the implementation of the directive through regular inspections and have been instructed to widely publicise the advisory throughout their districts. Awareness material is to be disseminated among employers and workers to ensure maximum outreach.
Reiterating its commitment to workers’ welfare, the Labour Department has emphasised the need for collective action and strict compliance to protect the health and safety of the labour force during extreme weather events. -(KL)
